Lobbying - Project Open Gov

Making the case for a policy, cause or interest directly to a decision-maker in order to influence decisions.

Category: Government roles and offices Parliamentary procedure

Also used as: lobbying, lobby, lobbied, lobbyist, lobbyists, lobbying activity

Source / explainer: Read the UK Parliament glossary entry on lobbying

Last reviewed: 22 August 2026

Lobbying means making the case for a policy, cause, organisation or interest directly to a decision-maker, such as a minister or Member of Parliament, in order to influence decisions. Lobbying is not automatically improper, but different rules apply depending on who is lobbying, who is being lobbied, and whether payment or registrable interests are involved.

Related terms

Lobbying for Reward or ConsiderationThe Commons rules restricting MPs from using parliamentary activity to benefit outside interests that reward them.Member of ParliamentAn elected representative who sits in the House of Commons.MinisterA member of the government with responsibility for a policy area or department.Register of Consultant LobbyistsThe statutory register for consultant lobbyists lobbying UK Government ministers or permanent secretaries on behalf of clients.