Messages from the archive of Rutherford Hall, critical communications strategist
WhatsApp to Stephen: I’ve just had Jane from LOTO (Labour leader’s office) on the line. She’s organising a business letter for Starmer and wants me to help rustle up a few of our clients. She even asked me to sign but I’ve said I prefer to stay behind the scenes. But we probably need to find a couple of names.
From: Rutherford@monkwellstrategy.com
Phil. It’s definitely flattering that Labour has approached you to sign their business leaders letter. My general advice is “hell yes” to backing the winning horse. But just a few things to bear in mind.
Number 1. Unless you are a dyed in the wool supporter — which our previous efforts to get you in with Liz Truss would suggest you aren’t — then make sure this is a business decision, which you can align with what you do, and square your shareholders.
Number 2. Who else is on the list? If the other top business leaders are Michelle Mone, Frank Hester, that bloke from BrewDog or anyone who runs a water company then give it a swerve.
Number 3. Are you prominent on the list of names? You want to be in the top 5, one of the ones who actually gets noted. A good deed is not a good deed if no one sees you doing it. But you also want Premier League names only. You don’t belong with the small fry. Don’t sign anything that doesn’t make you look good.
Number 4: The other side will want to discredit the list so are you OK with some extra scrutiny?
And 5: You have to be happy with at least a bit of the letter. And not just the punctuation. You have to be able to say you believe at least a few of the words in between.
Best, Rutherford
Find me on Strava, KoM Sydenham Hill, PR Al Jubailah/Bawdah Loop — 42 mins.
WhatsApp to PhilK: No it needs to be more than prepositions as well. Actual sentiments.
WhatsApp to PhilK: Sorry Phil I’ve literally never heard of half these people. You look like the only decent name. Some are retired. You want to be on the letter that the white papers say features “captains of industry”. This is the lance corporals of industry.
WhatsApp to Stephen: Whose brilliant idea was it to hold our summer party on the night of the election?
WhatsApp to Stephen: Yes, I know it was my idea but we have to move it. Otherwise it will just be clients, retiring MPs and journalists killing time till the exit poll. We need to reschedule for the week after. All the new ministers will rock up. The clients will love it. We’ll even get a big mention in the Politico email. Just make sure we don’t clash with the big leftie organisations like the New Statesman, Labour Together or the BBC.
WhatsApp to LOTOJane: Jane, sorry to hear about Phil saying no. I’m surprised because he’s privately very enthusiastic about Keir. Let me talk to him.
WhatsApp to Stephen: Aargh. Jane says Keir is relying on us to find some names. In other words, we’re in Siberia unless we help.
WhatsApp to list 1: Hi, just a heads-up to a few close clients who might be interested. Keir Starmer’s team are looking for people to sign a supportive business letter. This election is as near as you get to a sure thing and there’s big brownie points available. Let me know if you are interested.
WhatsApp to LOTOJane: Great news, I’ve got a few clients ready to sign up including some major business bosses — David at Fracarys and John from BigEnergy
WhatsApp to LOTOJane: Well yes, there’s a teensy fossil fuel dimension to their work. But this is an economy letter not an environment one and anyway they are very forward-looking about the green transition
WhatsApp to BigEnergy John: We’re on. Now remember, you are very excited by clean energy and the green transition. Maybe keep mum with your views on Ed Miliband and don’t mention the renewed focus on the North Sea fields till after the election.
WhatsApp to BigEnergy John: I know you aren’t aligned with their policy but tell your board this is the best way to influence decisions — which by the way, it is. And you like most of the letter.
WhatsApp to BigEnergy John: Well, you like the punctuation.
WhatsApp to LOTOJane: That’s great and I’m sure they will pull in some other big names. I’ve got Phil K to agree too.
WhatsApp to LOTOJane: Not at all. I’m glad Keir is pleased and please tell him I was happy to help. Look forward to seeing you all at our summer party. Will keep the champagne on ice.
Messages recovered by Robert Shrimsley
