Vote for Tories will end Brexit indecision, say female entrepreneurs

Designers Anya Hindmarch and Kelly Hoppen are among nearly 50 female entrepreneurs who today called on people to vote Conservative, warning that indecision over Brexit is causing “paralysis” for businesses.

They are joined by actress Donna Air, businesswoman Amanda Staveley and The Apprentice star Baroness Brady who said businesses needed a “clear timetable and direction”.

In a letter in today’s Standard. the 47 women said Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party would “increase taxes and stifle business” and subject the country to “more uncertainty” with another two referendums.

The letter said: “We are all female entrepreneurs and businesswomen, some of whom voted to remain.

“However, we are all of the opinion that we must respect the referendum result and that Brexit needs to be done."

They added: “The fact that there is a deal on the table with the Conservatives that is ready to go is a huge advantage.

“Indecision is the enemy of economic success and for business it causes paralysis.

“Business is naturally very good at working around all problems but it needs a clear timetable and direction. This Brexit indecision threatens success.

“We have come together to urge people to vote Conservative this Thursday to end the uncertainty, put Brexit behind us and move on to a positive new chapter.”

The group also said a vote for the Liberal Democrats is “just another vote for Labour”.

It comes after a number of female Tory MPs, including Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan, stood down prematurely this election citing the abuse they faced in public life. The Prime Minister has also faced allegations that he has a “women problem”.

But asked by Talk Radio host Julia Hartley-Brewer if he had a woman problem, Boris Johnson replied: “Well, we’ve got more female candidates standing at this election than any time in the past.

“Don’t forget to look at my cabinet, or the cabinet that I run, and it’s got lots of very talented women in the top jobs.

“And then, which is the party that produced two female Prime Ministers? It’s not Labour.”

He urged undecided female voters to vote Conservative, adding: “Female voters who are hesitating between Corbyn and us, I would say, look at the overall package of what we’re offering in terms of protecting public services, massively investing in the NHS, bringing crime down, investing in stuff for kids, massive investment in youth centres, lots of work to help families...

“We’ve got a big, big programme that I think should appeal to everyone in this country, male or female.”