Following Rishi Sunak’s announcement of a general election on July 4, free news agency news page asked business owners across all sectors – from media and retail to real estate and financial services – to explain who they would vote for and why.
One of them said: “The Prime Minister’s announcement of a general election in the pouring rain pretty much sums up how I feel about the political election ahead of us: depressing.”
Another added: “I will be voting for the Labor Party at the polls, not because I think they are the solution, but because we need to do something different right now and the Labor Party has some incredibly strong women in their midst who I think could have a real impact. , such as Dr. Rosena Khan, Jess Phillips, Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves.”
A third said simply: “Two-party politics is past its day.”
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Samuel Mather-Holgate, independent financial advisor at Mather and Murray Financial:
“This is one of the most important elections in a generation. The current administration has stagnated the economy for a decade, lost its credibility with businesses, and shown no empathy for those in need, whether through its savage cuts to social welfare or its policy in Rwanda.
It is impossible to implement their failed policies because they simply did not have many. Their lack of ambition and imagination will be severely punished at the polls and it is just what they deserve.
“We have had a series of charlatan prime ministers who do not respect the people they serve. The Labor Party 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 his manifesto. For Sunak, things can only get wetter!
Kundan Bhaduri, real estate developer and portfolio owner of The Kushman Group:
“I am a real estate developer and housing provider. While the prospect of the Conservatives returning is not the most appealing to me, the idea of voting Labor would be like turkeys voting for Christmas for people in our sector.
“We are yet to see what the Labor Party stands for and what its policies are, except its politics of jealousy against those who have achieved something in life through hard work and persistent effort.”
Dariusz Karpowicz, director of Albion Financial Advice:
“I can’t vote because I don’t have a British passport, but if I could I wouldn’t choose any of the main parties. None of them seem to prioritize the needs of companies.
“Their policies often overlook the critical support and incentives businesses need to thrive and drive the economy.
“It is crucial that political leaders recognize and address the challenges business owners face to create an environment that is more conducive to growth and innovation.”
Justin Moy, CEO of EHF Mortgages:
“It’s definitely time for a change, but I don’t see that the other parties have made a flurry of promises that are better than the direction the Conservatives are taking us in at the moment. I am not convinced that the Labor Party has a clear plan at the moment.
“The conservatives are not indefensible, but without distractions and a change of the main members of the table, the future of the country can remain blue.”
Michelle Lawson, director of Lawson Finance:
“I will vote but I am not sure which box I will tick. Bipartisan politics has come to an end. We need change and I would say it is quite obvious that the Labor Party will come in. Perhaps changing the electoral system would be a starting point and also a “none of the above” box. Can we trust what political parties put on their agendas? I do not think.”
Simon Bridgland, rider/manager Release freedom:
“Finally we all know a date. Having assumed a Labor victory, with the recent inflation data and the confidence of the IMF, it is not such a safe bet.
“Unless the Conservatives turn in their favor, although I am baffled as to how mortgage rates probably won’t change much until we are much closer to the end of the political race and inflation is reduced to 2% or the result is acquaintance.”
Craig Fish, director of Lodestone Mortgages and Protection:
“Frankly, this is the best thing that has happened to the UK in the last 14 years. The hardest part now is which box to tick, as trust on all sides is at an all-time low.
“There is a general feeling of distrust towards all politicians. Whoever can convince the public that they put his party second and his country first, he will win.”
Jenny Blyth, small business owner in Storm Gifts in a Teacup:
“Now is the time for change and we, as a country, have been waiting long enough. Of course, there are never guarantees with a general election and there is certainly no guarantee that we will immediately find ourselves in a better place.
“Keir Starmer’s promises may seem less flashy, but perhaps that is because they are based on the reality of the state of our country.
“Rebuilding will take time, but I really hope that a change in this government is the start of that.
“I will be voting for the Labor Party at the polls, not because I think they are the solution, but because we need to do something different right now and the Labor Party has some incredibly strong women in its midst who I think could have a real impact, like Dr. Rosena Khan, Jess Phillips, Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves.”
Lee Petts, founder of fifty2m:
“The Prime Minister’s announcement of a general election in the pouring rain pretty much sums up how I feel about the political election ahead: depressing. At this point, my inclination is to cancel my vote.
“I don’t think the main political parties offer enough options. Their policies are too similar and their parliamentarians are too willing to put party and ideology before the public good.
“I believe we must take this opportunity to send a strong message to the political establishment, reminding politicians of all stripes that they must represent the electorate and do what is right, not what is politically expedient.
“We will not achieve it with protest votes or without going to the polls. “I hope that whoever we see in government will do more to ease the regulatory burdens placed on small businesses, which are currently driving excessive costs and stifling growth.”
Gary Parsons, mental health leadership advocate and inspirational speaker in Gary Parsons United Kingdom:
“I see the upcoming general election as a crucial time to prioritize mental health. My journey from facing Bell’s palsy at age 18 to co-founding a company during the 2009 recession taught me that leadership is about facing personal adversity and advocating for well-being.
“I urge voters to support candidates who champion mental health for all, especially UK business leaders.
“Government spending must address the mental health and well-being needs of not only employees and citizens, but also the leaders who drive our economy. Investing in your 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.”