The Next UK Prime Minister Faces a Long Wish List From CEOs

  • Bosses from pub, retail and marketing industries demand change
  • Conservative and Labour parties are both courting businesses
10 Downing Street in London.Photographer: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg
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In the 1990s, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown’s New Labour courted UK business in efforts that became known as the “prawn cocktail offensive” — a reference to the seafood appetizer that in times gone by was known for featuring at posh lunches.

In recent months, the current Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has revived the charm offensive, a move that has irked those on the left of the party. This time, it has been dubbed the “smoked salmon and scrambled eggs offensive,” with Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves enjoying a series of CEO breakfasts.