The head of big four consulting firm EY has criticised rival PwC over the firm’s tax leaks scandal, saying the “deeply disturbing and disappointing conduct” has rightly triggered “intense scrutiny” of the whole sector.

EY Oceania chief executive and regional managing partner David Larocca told the Senate inquiry into consulting, which was triggered by the tax leaks matter, that his firm did not operate in the same way as PwC.