16 hopefuls face Lord Sugar should be hired to look after Brexit talks Claude on how his boss could
TOUGH-TALKING tycoon Alan Sugar is about to start cutting aspiring business hopefuls down to size.
In the coming weeks he will decide which one of 16 young entrepreneurs will become his business partner.
But as series 14 of The Apprentice starts on Wednesday, Lord Sugar’s trusted aide thinks his no-nonsense pal’s talents are being under used.
Claude Littner is convinced the Government should tell Lord Sugar: “You’re hired” – to help with Brexit talks.
With the prospect of a no deal looking ever more likely, Claude, 69, said: “The fact people like Alan are not being used by this Government with Brexit is a real, real mistake.
“There is a role for him and many other entrepreneurs who could at least advise on the best tactics, strategy, way of approaching [talks] – you wouldn’t want to miss out on that.”
He argued that an entrepreneur with experience working in Europe could give a politician’s argument more weight.
But Claude does not think Lord Sugar will aim for high office, like his US counterpart and now President Donald Trump.
“I don’t think he’s got that kind of ambition,” said Claude.
Absurd
as he reduces even the thickestskinned hopeful to a quivering wreck in the boardroom. And they are unlikely to get sympathy from Claude or fellow aide Baroness Karren Brady. Stoney-faced Claude and his crushing analysis of the candidates can be as harsh as Lord Sugar’s verdicts. Claude said: “Normally the candidates are petrified and don’t want to antagonise me – or anyone else – as that might have a detrimental effect on them.” But little can sway frosty Claude, even when the female candidates try flirting with him. said: “The girls do all the time. I remember the interview with Katie Hopkins all those years ago, she was very flirty. It didn’t get her anywhere. If I was in their position I’d also try to be extra-friendly – why wouldn’t you?
“I’m Jekyll and Hyde. I’m a good bloke but when it comes to business I’ve got a different persona. I’m stern. I never say hello, never give them eye contact.
“I’m rude – I ignore them completely and look at them with disdain, That way, nobody can say that I’ve got any favourites.
“I’m not their nursemaid. I’m not going to say, ‘you poor thing, what a shame. Come on back in, I’ll help resolve the situation’.
“I’m not the cause of their problem, they’re finding stress difficult – well, life is sometimes stressful, business is sometimes stressful and I’m not there to guide them through.” Sparks fly in the women’s team on Wednesday when the candidates travel to Malta.
Claude said “I could never unhe