Why won’t Labour have lunch with Panmure Gordon? One City firm feels ignored by some MPs…
While some Labour MPs have made contact with City big-wigs and the shadow cabinet’s diary fills up fast, one firm has felt more than a few cold shoulders from the left this year.
Earlier this year we were keen to make sure new shadow City minister Richard Burgon felt welcome in his new role as Labour’s City spokesperson. Back in December Burgon was unable to confirm to reporters that he had met with anyone from a Square Mile institution.
Thankfully, Burgon’s people told The Capitalist that he’s been awfully busy meeting with banks, regulators and authorities before the New Year. A spokesperson happily pointed out that his diary is filling up nicely and last week’s itinerary included “meetings with the British Bankers Association and Canada Corporation."
The CBI also told us that they have met with Burgon recently, and have a good working relationship with Angela Eagle.
Although not everyone is feeling the love. David Buik, marketing commentator for Panmure Gordon, has blasted the party’s radio silence on his lunch invites.
Buick told The Capitalist that over the years he’s attempted to reach out to over 10 MPs including Yvette Cooper, Chukka Umunna, Ed Balls and Angela Eagle, to no avail.
Buik said: ““The feeling is that they are quite hostile, but we never even hear that from them. We’d like to meet with them, if nothing else so they can tell us what the dislike about the City.”
Although it’s not all tough love for Panmure Gordon. Buik added that the firm was pleased with former home secretary Alan Johnson’s enthusiasm to hang out. They lunched last month.
“He was lovely company and we had a good chat.” Looks like someone is rooting for a new Labour leader…