Business leaders slam 'self-indulgent' Tories for holding a leadership vote instead of uniting over Brexit

  • Bosses said ballot was indulgent waste of time that caused more uncertainty 
  • Director general of the British Chambers of Commerce labelled it 'unacceptable'
  • While the boss of Merlin Entertainments said people 'want clarity and certainty'

Business leaders last night rounded on the Tories for holding a vote over Theresa May's leadership instead of uniting behind a Brexit deal.

Bosses lined up to criticise the party, saying the ballot was an indulgent waste of time when MPs should be helping Britain avoid crashing out of the European Union.

They warned rebels' push to unseat Mrs May had caused more uncertainty for companies already racing to prepare for our departure.

Adam Marshall (pictured), director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, labelled the leadership vote 'unacceptable'

Adam Marshall (pictured), director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, labelled the leadership vote 'unacceptable'

Theresa May put a brave face on her situation tonight as she reacted to the outcome of the Tory no-confidence ballot

Theresa May put a brave face on her situation tonight as she reacted to the outcome of the Tory no-confidence ballot

Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 'At one of the most pivotal moments for the UK economy in decades, it is unacceptable that Westminster politicians have chosen to focus on themselves rather than on the needs of the country.

'The utter dismay amongst businesses watching events in Westminster cannot be exaggerated.'

Nick Varney, boss of Madame Tussauds operator Merlin Entertainments, said: 'The whole situation is moving beyond parody. Everyone just wants clarity and certainty. I don't think our politicians are covering themselves in glory.'

The economy is already thought to have been hit by the Brexit turmoil, with growth slipping to 0.4 per cent for the three months to October and a further slowdown predicted.

Nick Varney (pictured), boss of Madame Tussauds operator Merlin Entertainments, said that 'everyone just wants clarity and certainty' now

Nick Varney (pictured), boss of Madame Tussauds operator Merlin Entertainments, said that 'everyone just wants clarity and certainty' now