The dastardly Mr Deedes
Where now for David Cameron? City-wise, he has strong connections to Panmure Gordon. Three generations of his family were senior partners. But the brokerage firm is rather small potatoes these days. A lucrative global role at Sir Alan Parker’s PR firm Brunswick, which has a vast Washington operation, seems more realistic. The palm-greasing duo have a healthy history of log-rolling. Cameron, 49, recommended Parker for a knighthood two years ago. Parker, 60, in turn, allowed the ex-PM to roost at his £18m Kensington home after vacating Downing Street.
Rotund hedge fund tycoon Crispin Odey, 57, predicts a Donald Trump victory in the US election. ‘He appeals to a lot of people who have the feeling that, in the past 30 years, their life has got much worse and they have not had any of the benefit of the glut of money. At the same time, the rich are doing better than ever.’ Odey’s comments should set nerves jangling, chez Clinton. He forecast Brexit months before the referendum – despite polls predicting otherwise.
The decision on whether the Chinesebacked Hinkley Point power plant gets the go-ahead is the source of increasing Soviet-style paranoia around Whitehall. Whispers a mole: ‘Officials are even refusing to dis- cuss the matter down the telephone in case someone is listening in. Whether from the Chinese government or our own.’ Trust no one!
Roaring Zeus Capital broker Adam Pollock has written to fellow shareholders of Lincs FM calling on them to remove the radio station’s long-standing chairman, former SDP fossil Ednyfed Hudson-Davies, 86, and chief executive Michael Betton. Pollock says no dividends have been paid for years and regards Betton’s £300,000 salary as excessive. He wants to install Leeds United’s ex-chief Adam Pearson as a replacement. Booms Pollock, 55: ‘It’s time for some new blood. The past ten years have been disastrous.’
The Wall Street Journal reports US firms are encouraging executives to conduct walking meetings. As well as stimulating the grey cells, the practice has health benefits. A 30-minute ‘walk-and-talk’ can burn over 100 calories. Perhaps Sir Philip Green, 64, and his stoutly-built close adviser, £200m Goldman Sachs banker Mike Sherwood, 51, should give it a whirl if they’re still talking.