Labour faces fresh row after offering companies breakfast with Business Secretary for £30,000

Shadow minister Andrew Griffith warned: 'This is a clear offer to bend the Business Secretary’s ear over government policy'



LABOUR is facing a fresh row after offering companies breakfast with the Business Secretary in return for £30,000.

The party invited bosses to a plush restaurant for the “rare chance” to “gain insight” from Jonathan Reynolds [pictured] in return for sponsorship of the meal.

Those willing to cough up for their croissants are offered “distinct benefits” at the exclusive event — limited to just ten tickets.

For £15,000 they were offered a photo with the minister, but for the full £30,000 they got to choose who can come to the “dynamic meeting of business minds”.

Our exposé comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer battles cash for access allegations over his top freebie donor Lord Alli, who he handed a Downing Street pass.

In a pitch prepared by the Labour Party’s commercial team and emailed yesterday, invitees to The Ivy restaurant in Manchester are promised “a rare chance to gain insights, network and exchange ideas amongst peers and a Government minister”.

It adds: “We have carefully curated a package that offer [sic] distinct benefits, ensuring your brand receives optimal exposure and engagement during the event.”

The invitation was circulated to businesses by Liam Didsbury, who until recently was the Labour Party’s North West director.

After working for the party for more than 12 years he set up lobbying firm IEI Group, but yesterday insisted the business event had been organised by the party rather than his company.

His CV boasts numerous by-election wins and organising Sir Keir’s manifesto launch in June, as well as a “well established network” in the government.

Labour sources confirmed the invitation was genuine but said that while it was part of engaging with business, it was clumsily worded.

When quizzed by The Sun, allies of Mr Reynolds said he would no longer be taking part.

A Labour spokesman said: “He was completely unaware, and isn’t attending.”

Shadow minister Andrew Griffiths warned: “This is a clear offer to bend the Business Secretary’s ear over government policy.”

He added: “There are proper channels through which businesses can engage with the government on policy matters but this is something completely different and won’t appear in any public record.

“Labour has been in office for less than 100 days but we can already add ‘cash for croissants’ to ‘passes for glasses’ in the growing list of scandals engulfing this government.”