Following Rishi Sunak’s announcement of a General Election on 4th July, free news agency Newspage asked business owners from all sectors – from media and retail to property and financial services – to explain who they will be voting for and why.
One said: “The Prime Minister announcing a General Election in the pouring rain pretty much sums up how I feel about the political choice ahead of us: dismal.”
Another added: “I will be voting Labour in the polling booth, not because I think they are the solution but because we need to do something different right now and Labour has some incredibly strong women in their midst who I believe could make a real impact, such as Dr Rosena Khan, Jess Phillips, Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves.”
A third said simply: “Two-party politics has had its day.”
Reaction
Samuel Mather-Holgate, independent financial advisor at Mather and Murray Financial:
“This is one of the most important elections in a generation. The incumbent administration has stagnated the economy for a decade, lost its credibility with business and shown no empathy for those in need, whether that’s via their savage cuts to welfare or their Rwanda policy.
It’s impossible to roll out their failed policies because they just didn’t have many of them. Their lack of ambition and imagination will be severely punished at the ballot box and it’s just what they deserve.
“We have had a string of charlatan Prime Ministers with no respect for the people they serve. Labour will be the largest party, but whether they get a majority will depend on Scotland and the ‘Red Wall’. It’s time for Starmer to put some meat on the bones of their manifesto. For Sunak, things can only get wetter!”
Kundan Bhaduri, property developer and portfolio landlord at The Kushman Group:
“I am a property developer and housing provider. While the prospect of the Tories coming back isn’t the most appetising for me, the thought of voting for Labour would be like turkeys voting for Christmas for people in our sector.
“We are yet to see what it is that the Labour Party stands for, and what their policies are, except for their politics of jealousy against those that have achieved something in life through hard work and persistent effort.”
Dariusz Karpowicz, director at Albion Financial Advice:
“I cannot vote as I do not have a British passport, but if I could, I wouldn’t choose either of the main parties. Neither of them seems to be prioritising the needs of businesses.
“Their policies often overlook the critical support and incentives that businesses require to thrive and drive the economy forward.
“It’s crucial for political leaders to recognise and address the challenges faced by business owners in order to create an environment that is more conducive to growth and innovation.”
Justin Moy, managing director at EHF Mortgages:
“It is definitely time for a change, but I don’t see the other parties have made a groundswell of promises that will be any better than the direction the Tories are taking us in at the moment. I am not convinced that Labour have a clear plan at the moment.
“The Conservatives are not indefensible but without distraction, and a change of the top table members, the future of the country may still be blue.”
Michelle Lawson, director at Lawson Financial:
“I will be voting but am very unsure which box I will tick. Two-party politics has had its day. We need a change and I would say it is pretty obvious that Labour will get in. Maybe changing the electoral system would be a starting point and also a box with ‘none of the above’. Can we trust what the political parties put into their agendas? I don’t think so.”
Simon Bridgland, broker/director at Release Freedom:
“At last we all know a date. Having assumed a Labour victory, with recent inflation data and confidence from the IMF it’s not such a sure bet.
“Unless the Conservatives have a swing of favour, though I’m flummoxed as to how mortgage rates are not likely to change much until we are much closer to the end of the political race and inflation is battened down at 2% or the result is known.”
Craig Fish, director at Lodestone Mortgages & Protection:
“Quite frankly, this is the best thing to happen to the UK in the last 14 years. The hardest part now is which box to tick as all confidence in all parties is at a record low.
“There is a general sense of distrust towards all politicians. The one who can convince the public that they put their party second and country first will win.”
Jenny Blyth, small business owner at Storm in a Teacup Gifts:
“Now is the time for change and we, as a country, have been waiting long enough. There are never, of course, any guarantees with a general election and there is certainly no guarantee that we will immediately find ourselves in a better place.
“Keir Starmer’s pledges may seem less flashy but perhaps that is because they are based on the reality of the state of our country.
“It is going to take time to rebuild but I truly hope that a change in this government will see the beginning of that.
“I will be voting Labour in the polling booth, not because I think they are the solution but because we need to do something different right now and Labour has some incredibly strong women in their midst who I believe could make a real impact, such as Dr Rosena Khan, Jess Phillips, Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves.”
Lee Petts, founder at Fifty2M:
“The Prime Minister announcing a General Election in the pouring rain pretty much sums up how I feel about the political choice ahead of us: dismal. Right now, my inclination is to spoil my ballot.
“I don’t think the mainstream political parties offer sufficient choice. Their policies are too similar, and their MPs are all too willing to put party and ideology ahead of the public good.
“I think we need to use this opportunity to send a strong message to the political establishment, reminding politicians of all stripes that they’re meant to represent the electorate and do what’s right, not what’s politically expedient.
“We won’t achieve that with protest votes or not turning out. Whoever we see in Government next, I hope they do more to ease the regulatory burdens placed on small businesses, which are currently resulting in excessive costs and stifling growth.”
Gary Parsons, leadership mental health advocate & inspirational speaker at Gary Parsons UK:
“I see the upcoming General Election as a crucial moment to prioritise mental health. My journey from facing Bell’s Palsy at 18 to co-founding a business during the 2009 recession taught me that leadership is about confronting personal adversities and advocating for well-being.
“I urge voters to support candidates who champion mental health for everyone, especially UK business leaders.
“Government spending must address the mental health and well-being needs of not just employees and citizens, but also the leaders who drive our economy. Investing in their mental health is vital for a resilient and productive society.
“Let’s use this election to transform our business landscape, ensuring leaders are fully supported in their personal and professional growth.”
