Rishi Sunak's committee of business advisers refused to publicly back the government's economic policy record on Tuesday amid an escalating row over Labour's efforts to steal the Conservative Party's traditional mantle as 'the party of business'. Sky News contacted all 15 of the companies represented on the prime minister's business council to see whether their bosses would publicly endorse the Tories, but none agreed to do so. Follow live: General election latest Among the companies whose executives sat on the council - which is thought to have met no more than twice since its launch in January - were BT Group, ITV, Nationwide and Unilever.
Rolls Royce Holdings, the aircraft engine manufacturer, agreed to let its Derby headquarters be used for a campaign speech by Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, on Tuesday, but said it remained neutral. Its chief executive, Tufan Erginbilgic, has also been a member of Mr Sunak's business council since its launch. Some of the 15 companies failed to respond to enquiries from Sky News, while others said either officially or on an unattributable basis that they would remain politically neutral during the election campaign.
Labour and Conservatives spend big on early election campaign - here's who they're targeting Rachel Reeves says Labour 'natural party of business' as she sets out economic plan National service 'will keep kids out of trouble', Sunak claims One of those involved said its chief executive's participation in the council was .
