Heading: PM’s Business Council Members Refuse to Endorse Tories Amid Growing Row

The Prime Minister’s business council, comprised of 15 members, refused to publicly endorse the Tories on Tuesday, sparking a growing controversy over Labour’s efforts to position themselves as the party of business. Sky News reached out to all 15 companies represented on the council, including BT Group, ITV, Nationwide, and Unilever, but none agreed to publicly back the government’s economic policy record.

Rolls Royce Holdings, one of the companies on the council, allowed its headquarters to be used for a campaign speech by Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, but maintained neutrality. Despite some companies remaining silent or stating they would stay politically neutral during the election campaign, the Tories historically struggled to secure public endorsements from major corporate names.

In contrast, Labour garnered support from over 120 businesspeople in a pro-Labour letter, with only one current public company heavyweight on the list. The letter criticized Britain’s economy for being “beset by instability, stagnation, and a lack of long-term focus.” The Tories, on the other hand, have been actively reaching out to business leaders for support since the election was called.

Tory insiders dismissed the Labour letter as a “damp squib,” highlighting the challenge faced by Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves in winning the trust of major companies in the UK. The ongoing battle for business endorsements sets the stage for a heated election campaign leading up to July 4.