Labour is facing new controversy after offering companies the chance to have breakfast with the Business Secretary in exchange for £30,000.
Businesses are understood to have been invited to a restaurant for the “rare chance” to “gain insight” from Jonathan Reynolds.
Those attending were offered “distinct benefits” in return for sponsorship of the breakfast.
Reports suggest a photo with the business secretary costs £15,000 while attendees could choose who attends the “dynamic meeting of business minds” for £30,000.
The revelation emerges as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces accusations of “cash for access” involving his top donor, Lord Alli, to whom he granted a Downing Street pass.
The Labour Party’s commercial team reportedly emailed a pitch yesterday, inviting businesses to The Ivy restaurant in Manchester for “a rare chance to gain insights, network and exchange ideas amongst peers and a Government minister”, according to The Sun.
It adds: “We have carefully curated a package that offer [sic] distinct benefits, ensuring your brand receives optimal exposure and engagement during the event.”
The emails were said to have been sent by Liam Didsbury, who was recently the Labour Party’s North West director.
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Labour sources acknowledged the invitation was authentic, but clarified that although it aimed to engage with businesses, the wording was poorly phrased.
Allies of Reynolds said he would no longer be attending.
A Labour spokesman said: “He was completely unaware, and isn’t attending.”
Shadow minister Andrew Griffiths has slammed the “cash for croissants” scheme.
The revelation emerges as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces accusations of “cash for access” involving his top donor, Lord Alli, to whom he granted a Downing Street pass
KEIR STARMER
He said: “This is a clear offer to bend the Business Secretary’s ear over Government policy.
“There are proper channels through which businesses can engage with the government on policy matters but this is something completely different and won’t appear in any public record.
“Labour has been in office for less than 100 days but we can already add ‘cash for croissants’ to ‘passes for glasses’ in the growing list of scandals engulfing this Government.”
