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Summary of Investigation – Mr Gary Kent

Published on: Thursday 2nd December 2021

Organisation or Person investigated

Mr Gary Kent (“Mr Kent”)

Matter(s) Investigated

Whether Mr Kent is an unregistered consultant lobbyist

Registrar’s Decision

Mr Kent is not an unregistered consultant lobbyist

Summary of Rationale for Decision

Mr Kent is not registered for VAT. Registration under the Value Added Tax Act 1994 is one of three conditions that define consultant lobbying under the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014 (“the Act).

In addition, Mr Kent provided assurances that no registerable communications had been made or are intended to be made.

Chronology

DateAction
17 NovemberBBC article on All-Party Parliamentary Groups (“APPGs”), including a case study on the APPG on Kurdistan Region in Iraq. 
22 NovemberFormal letter from the Registrar to Mr Kent giving background on the requirement for registering and asking if his activities fall within the criteria for registration. In particular, but not limited to, support services provided to the APPG on Kurdistan Region in Iraq and payment for this role from Kar Group, whether paid directly or indirectly.
1 DecemberEmail from Mr Kent stating he is not VAT registered. In addition, providing assurances that no registerable communications have been made or are intended to be made for the APPG; and no representations have been made or are intended to be made to anyone on behalf of the APPG’s sponsors.
2 DecemberLetter from Registrar concluding the investigation.

2 December 2021

Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists

office@orcl.gov.uk