LONDON: Labour has alienated business with rhetoric that appears to “knock down” wealth creators, leadership contender Yvette Cooper has said.
She distanced herself from several of Ed Miliband’s business policies, saying Labour was perceived as being “anti-growth and ultimately anti-worker”.
Labour must consult more closely with business leaders and focus on science and hi-tech jobs, she said.
Ms Cooper is one of four candidates, with a winner to be named in September.
Another candidate, Andy Burnham, has already called for a referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU – promised by the Conservatives – to be brought forward to 2016 in order to end uncertainty for business.
Mr Burnham has been boosted by an endorsement from Dan Jarvis, the former soldier regarded as one of Labour’s rising stars. He told the BBC Mr Burnham had a “basic authenticity” and would be able to reconnect with voters who had deserted the party.
