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Revealed: Lobbying boss who worked for oligarchs has access to Parliament

David Burnside, who runs New Century Media, was given the pass after stepping down as an MP in 2005, but denies using it for business

By Martin Williams
Revealed: Lobbying boss who worked for oligarchs has access to Parliament
David Burnside, seen here in August 2000, runs lobbying firm New Century Media
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The boss of a lobbying firm that has donated to the Tory party and advised close Kremlin allies has been using a parliamentary pass to access the heart of Westminster, openDemocracy can reveal.

David Burnside was handed the pass after he stepped down as an Ulster Unionist MP in 2005. He now runs New Century Media, which has advised Russian businesses and top oligarchs linked to Vladimir Putin.

The lobbying firm has donated more than £200,000 to the Conservative Party and has even secured private meetings with government ministers.

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