The dastardly Mr Deedes

The departure of Antonio Horta-Osorio’s vastly remunerated chief spin doctor Matt Young leaves the newsworthy Lloyds chief without a spokesman. No shortage of possible replacements. Communications director Fiona Laffan, who at Goldman Sachs lobbied journalists not to make reference to her boss Mike Sherwood’s enlarged embonpoint, is a delight. Antonio can also call upon the vulpine charms of his wily public affairs director, Ben Brogan, formerly of this parish. Following last year’s escandalo involving AH-O’s private life, there are whispers Young’s departure may not have been entirely voluntary.

The Institute of Directors has relaxed the dress code for its election night party from lounge suits to ‘come as you are’. Explains a spokesman: ‘We felt it didn’t quite reflect the changing world of business. Silicon Roundabout isn’t overburdened with men in ties.’ Don’t expect elegant hostess, IoD chairman Lady (Barbara) Judge, to comply. Soignee Lady J doesn’t do dressed-down.

The Bilderberg Conference, a secretive gathering of business types, convenes in Virginia, USA, this weekend. The usual self-aggrandising bores are in attendance – Henry Kissinger, owlish Google chairman Eric Schmidt etc. Ex- chancellor George Osborne also promises to show his face. The presence of Ryanair chief and jocular court jester, Michael O’Leary, might at least enliven proceedings.

The working environment at Goldman Sachs’s new online lending business Marcus sounds a different kettle of fish to the vampire squid’s buttonedup offices. Staff scrawl ideas on the windows and work surfaces. Jeans are prevalent. Chief operating officer Omer Ismail boasts one bohemian employee even has a nose ring. O tempora!

Ruby-nosed wine critics are cock-ahoop at the release yesterday of 2016 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, the hallowed claret produced by the famous banking dynasty, hailing it as the finest vintage since 2010. At approximately £6,250 a case, probably not best suited for sangria.

Have you any gossip for our City diary? Email: mrdeedes@dailymail.co.uk