Labour has been left red-faced after being forced to reduce capacity for its upcoming business summit – because “no one wants to go.”
The party’s so-called “Business Leaders’ Summit” was a sell-out last year when Keir Starmer and his team were promising the world to entrepreneurs. However, after nearly nine months of Labour missteps and a faltering economic pitch, it appears business leaders are now steering well clear.
Despite being on sale for a full week, tickets for the September 29 summit at Labour’s 2025 party conference in Liverpool remain stubbornly available. A far cry from last year’s rush – when tickets were snapped up within 24 hours according to Guido Fawkes website. The lacklustre response suggests that Britain’s business elite have seen enough of Labour to decide it’s not worth their time or money.
Labour has also desperately tried to flog its so-called “first of its kind” £5,000 premium package, promising attendees the chance to “tailor your day” and focus on “the policy areas which matter most to you.” But after last year’s debacle – when some attendees reportedly wanted their £3,000 tickets refunded, branding the event a “sham” – many in the business community are simply not buying it.
For their cash, those willing to stump up the hefty sum will get: A breakfast networking event, a guaranteed seat at the Chancellor’s speech, access to Q&As, roundtable discussions, panel events and a networking business lunch with key Labour politicians.
But it seems that Labour’s so-called “opportunities” are failing to entice. Multiple business sources have blasted the lack of real benefits for the inflated ticket prices, with several openly declaring they won’t be attending at all.
One senior executive told the Conservative and Reformer Post: “Last year we paid thousands for a glorified networking event and a few minutes with a junior minister who clearly had no clue about business. We won’t be making that mistake again.”
Another added: “I’ve heard they’re struggling to shift tickets. No one wants to go. I mean why would anyone spend £5,000 to hear from a party where not a single cabinet member has ever run a business? It’s like getting financial advice from someone who’s never opened a bank account.”
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Hi Claire. I tried to contact you to get in touch with Christian Calgie about his podcast with Chris Philp where Philp trashed Boris and Calgie called the immigration the Boriswave. This needs to be debunked and stopped s it is taking a hold. We know this is not true. It would’ve been better if you could have stopped this today but can you contact both guys and Kemi’s team. Thanks. Sarah Charitos