121 Business Leaders Endorse Labour Party in General Election

Dozens of business leaders have come out in support of the Labour Party’s economic plans ahead of the upcoming general election on July 4th. In a letter published in The Times newspaper, 121 founders, CEOs, and former leaders from various sectors such as financial services, retail, and manufacturing have endorsed Labour, stating that the party has changed and is now willing to work with business for long-term growth.

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to deliver her first major speech of the election campaign to business supporters, including former Conservative backers in the East Midlands. She is expected to emphasize leading the most “pro-growth Treasury in our country’s history.”

This move by Labour to garner support from business leaders mirrors the Conservatives’ strategy in the 2015 election when 100 corporate leaders endorsed them. However, some former Tory business signatories have expressed disappointment over recent government decisions and are now endorsing Labour.

Among the signatories in support of Labour are TV chef Tom Kerridge, CEOs of smaller companies, former Heathrow Airport chief executive John Holland-Kaye, JD Sports chairman Andrew Higginson, and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales.

While the CEOs of the UK’s largest FTSE 100 companies typically refrain from taking sides in elections, this public display of support for Labour is seen as a significant move. Labour’s credibility with the public is expected to be bolstered by this endorsement from business leaders.