Special interest

A hidden stake of one party, that is not revealed when relevant information is disclosed by that party.

Also used to refer to overt lobbying or political efforts of groups affiliated by a common interest, such as industry groups, environmentalists or various social groups such as one advocating for immigrants, financeurs or veterans. Generally any loose affiliation of interests for the purpose of influencing political debate, affiliated outside a party structure or within a political group, might be described as a special interest group.

The label is often attached to a group whose political agenda seeks advantage for that group with proposals that otherwise have no direct benefit for the entire political body.