THE lobbyist at the centre of the 'Lobbygate' row has received support from an unlikely source - a political rival from his student days.

Derek Draper, who is alleged to have told a national newspaper that he could arrange meetings with any cabinet minister for a huge fee, has been backed by fellow Runshaw College old boy, Liberal Democrat borough and county councillor Tim Farron.

Despite bitter political differences, Coun Farron believes Mr Draper, who grew up in Chorley and whose father Ken worked at Leyland Trucks, is being used as a scapegoat.

Coun Farron wrote to The Guardian newspaper last week, telling of his first encounter with Mr Draper during his time at the Leyland college. He said: "I first met Derek, who was a year older than me, when I went to one of the society fairs at Runshaw. It was arranged to introduce students to the various clubs at the college.

"As I was walking around, I was collared by Derek who immediately tried to enlist me into the Labour Party.

"I wasn't a friend of Derek's but I did come across him as we did the student politics circuit over a six-year period."

Commenting on the recent controversy involving Mr Draper, Coun Farron added: "I believe he was acting in a way which is typical of New Labour and he shouldn't be singled out for opening his mouth.

"The whole lobbying process is undemocratic, as it allows people with money to get access to those in high office faster than those without. In my opinion, the whole system should be scrapped.

"It is corrupt and the situation would be made worse if Derek found himself being made a scapegoat for a industry he worked in."

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