CBI shrinks its Scottish dinner to fit with rules
THE GUESTLIST shrank, flowers disappeared from tables and guests were instructed to wear business dress, not black tie. It sounds like the beginning of a murder mystery play, but it is, in fact, what the Scottish branch of the CBI was forced to do in order to meet election rules for its annual dinner last night.
With Prime Minister David Cameron as guest speaker, the business organisation – which is opposed to Scottish independence – culled over half of its usual guestlist for the event, from around 800 to just 230, in order to cut the cost to £10,000 to fit in with Electoral Commission campaign rules.
Although guests may have been disappointed by the lack of flowers on tables, a CBI source told CityAM they were greeted by candelabras as centrepieces instead, with bottles of wine available, until supplies ran out. “For the most part it’s continuing as normal,” the source added.
“We are of the view that the CBI’s dinner does constitute campaigning and as a result we have sought detailed assurances from them and their suppliers about the cost of this event,” the Electoral Commission said. The CBI may also be forced to submit cost details after the event.