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Pinstripes and shorts – Tim Montgomerie vs the Institute of Directors

There is a nice little spat brewing between Tim Montgomerie and the Institute of Directors, after the former Times comment editor and founder of ConservativeHome ‘unloaded both barrels on Britain’s business trade bodies.’ According to Public Affairs News:

‘He argued that the CBI and IoD were losing the air war with consumer pressure groups, partly through presentation (he effectively ordered a Taliban-esk ban on pinstripes on telly) but principally by not explaining how an open free market brings societal benefits’.

What Montgomerie actually said was a little more nuanced, rather than the reported ‘Jihad’:

‘Friends of business need to change the way they’re organised. The CBI, FSB, IoD model – while often worthy – comes from another age in my opinion. Their spokesmen often appear self-serving. They are nearly always arguing for what is best for their members.

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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