SME leaders demand £3,000 refund from Labour conference as ‘it was a waste of money’

Some business leaders are demanding a £3,000 refund from the Labour conference as MPs gave “lip service” and the event was a “waste of money.”

According to reports some business leaders were far from impressed and they felt they never received value for money as they had “minimal time” with MPs.

A well-known executive told The Times, “We paid £3,000 to come here and what did we get? A livestream of Rachel’s [Chancellor] speech and then to be made to queue in a bleak corridor for a drinks reception where there was no access to ministers.”

A business chair said, “They’ve been on the back foot a bit. They’ve not taken the reins and set out the story they want to tell, so other people are doing it for them.

“They need to be clear, set out their stall and take us with them.”

Another executive said they are “questioning value for money” for “next year” Labour conference.

The person said, “Last year it was very well organised and structured.

“This year the event didn’t start until 11.30 and we were talked [at] from the stage for four hours.”

Another said, “I’ll be trying to get a refund. The whole thing felt like they’d taken our money, they’re in for five years and it was lip service.

“I’m glad I didn’t waste my CEO’s day by bringing them up.” They said it was the party’s “one chance to show they had changed and that they appreciate private enterprise now, but they clearly don’t, it was a waste of money.”

A Labour spokesperson said, “This year’s Business Day at Annual Conference was a great success, attended by Labour’s cabinet, 500 business leaders, CEOs, international investors and international ambassadors, as well as leading global figures.”