Gone: The CBI this week fired its director general Tony Danker
A female peer has delivered a damning verdict on the future of the embattled CBI, saying ‘it’s time has probably passed’.
Baroness Wheatcroft, a former Wall Street Journal Europe editor who later became a director of Barclays bank, said: ‘I think every member must be wondering whether it’s the best use of shareholders’ or company money to be a CBI member and whether they could be more effective in other ways.’
The CBI this week fired its director general Tony Danker after sexual harassment claims against him.
Further allegations, including rape dating back to 2019 that have also emerged, which are not connected to Danker, are being investigated by police.
That has emboldened critics who say the 58-year-old organisation – which says it represents 190,000 members – has become an obsolete talking shop.
Wheatcroft, 71, told the BBC: ‘I think it probably can survive. Should it survive? I think its time has probably passed honestly.’
She said it ‘doesn’t make sense any longer’ to put a broad spread of firms from banks and multinationals to small regional firms ‘under the same umbrella’.
And she quipped: ‘I had a look at their website and when it comes up with trite phrases like ‘We’re redefining business as usual’ – well they’re certainly doing that.’
As well as Danker, the CBI has also replaced three other employees and launched a ‘root and branch’ review into its culture.
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