City superwoman urges firms to quit CBI over rape and drug allegations

One of the city’s most powerful women declared ‘enough is enough’ last night as she urged members to leave the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) over allegations of sexual misconduct and drug abuse.

Baroness Helena Morrissey, a renowned executive who founded the 30% Club to push for better gender balance in the boardroom, said companies needed to take action after allegations about some of the lobby group’s top figures.

She admitted that she had “not been a fan of the CBI for a while” and told the Mail: “We can’t wait for the next scandal to happen.

Members need to say enough is enough and say we don’t need this. We can look for other organizations or create new ones to meet directly with the government.’

Ministers have already severed ties with the group after more than a dozen women approached The Guardian newspaper claiming to be victims of sexual misconduct by senior figures.

A woman said she was raped at a CBI staff party on a boat on the River Thames. There were also claims of widespread cocaine use.

Both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Commerce and Commerce suspended cooperation with the CBI this week.

The CBI said: ‘We understand the government’s decision to suspend involvement pending the outcome of the independent inquiry.

‘Shortly after Easter, the council expects preliminary findings and actions from the first phase of the investigation.’

The CBI claims to represent 190,000 companies employing nearly 7 million workers. While member companies including Rolls-Royce, Ernst & Young and Marks & Spencer have expressed concern, only brewer Adnams has said it could actually stop.

Adnams chief executive Andy Wood said management of the Suffolk-based company would make a decision to leave the CBI depending on the outcome of an independent investigation.

Asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today program if he had had any discussions ‘at the top’ of Adnams about leaving the CBI, he said: ‘Indeed, yes.

“It takes decades to build a reputation and moments to destroy, and the CBI needs to get to grips with this and quickly put things in order, restoring our faith in the organization.” He added, “It’s in a really tough place, isn’t it?

“I would say that if there is any truth to this, I think I can speak for all members that such behavior is completely unacceptable and has no place in the workplace.”

The latest allegations follow complaints against CBI director-general Tony Danker (pictured), who agreed to resign last month while an investigation is ongoing

Russ Shaw, head of start-up group Tech London Advocates, said the current situation is a “train wreck” for the body that represents many of Britain’s biggest companies.

“Following accusations about how toxic the CBI’s culture can be, members should definitely have a departure on their agenda,” he told the Mail.

Gwen Rhys, head of campaign group Women in the City, urged more members to take a stand. “Companies just wait before making a decision whether or not to leave until it seems too dangerous not to,” she said.

The latest allegations follow complaints against CBI director-general Tony Danker (pictured left), who agreed to resign last month while an investigation is underway.

It is believed that the new allegations do not involve Danker.

A junior colleague allegedly complained about ‘unwelcome contact’ from Danker, which she regarded as sexual harassment.

According to reports, he sent a barrage of messages, some containing sexually suggestive language, for over a year.

The father-of-two apologized for causing unintentional wrongdoing and has pledged to cooperate with law firm Fox Williams, which was brought in to investigate the claims.