What is the CBI? Sacked boss Tony Danker says reputation ‘totally destroyed’
The former boss of one of the UK’s largest business groups, the CBI, says his “reputation has been completely destroyed” after being fired following complaints about his behaviour and sexual misconduct allegations.
Tony Danker said his name had been wrongly associated with an allegation of rape and other sexual assault claims that occured before he joined the CBI, claiming he had been made the “fall guy” by the lobbying group.
In his first interview since his dismissal, Mr Danker acknowledged that he had made some staff feel “very uncomfortable”, saying: “I apologise for that”.
But he told the BBC’s Today Programme on Wednesday (April 19): “I have had a week of coverage saying, ‘Tony Danker sacked in rape scandal’.
“And these stories have been about rape and sexual assault and cocaine and bullying — none of that was anything to do with me. And it was all before my time.
“It’s so clear — I’ve been made the fall guy. Not only did they throw me under the bus, they reversed the bus back over me… I feel I have to clear my name.”
He told the broadcaster that his termination letter had cited four reasons for his dismissal — for organising a secret, private karaoke party for 15 people, for viewing the Instagram accounts of CBI staff, for sending non-work-related messages to staff, and for inviting junior staff to breakfasts, lunches, or personal meetings.
The CBI’s chairman, Brian McBride, said Mr Danker was dismissed on strong legal grounds. Mr McBride told the BBC Mr Danker’s description of events was “selective” and he was free to seek “redress” if he felt unfairly treated.
The business group giant faces a series of claims from 2019, including drug use and serious sexual assault, which are being investigated by City of London police.
Three other CBI employees have also been suspended “pending further investigation into a number of ongoing allegations”, the group said.
What is the CBI?
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) was established in 1965 and claims to represent more than 190,000 businesses across the UK. Members are companies as well as trade associations.
The CBI acts as a lobby group on behalf of its members and is the country’s largest organisation of its kind. It can seek to advise the British Government on issues affecting its members.
Its website says it has an “ambitious vision for the economy of the future”, and the desire to create a more carbon-neutral economy with levelling-up elements.
“We champion business so it can lead, not fear, the changes that are all around us,” its website says.
A CBI statement issued after the news of Mr Danker’s sacking said: “The CBI exists to help British business flourish. This is a privilege and responsibility which we take extremely seriously and cannot take for granted.
“We represent our members not just in how we advocate for them, but also through our values as an organisation. It means we must be a place where colleagues are safe, valued, and respected, and where there is zero tolerance for behaviour that falls short of those expectations.”
I recognise the intense publicity the CBI has suffered following the revelations of awful events that occurred before my time in office. I was appalled to learn about them for the first time last week...
— Tony Danker (@tonydanker) April 11, 2023
Who is Tony Danker and what is he accused of?
Northern Ireland-born and raised Mr Danker was a special adviser to Gordon Brown’s administration from 2008 to 2010. From 2010 to 2017, he held top board roles at the Guardian.
The CBI said concerns about him were raised in early March. It organised an independent investigation conducted by Fox Williams, an employment law specialist.
Mr Danker stepped aside after the investigation started in March.
The BBC has reported the investigation concerns his conduct towards a female employee. However, it is thought his behaviour could relate to how he acted towards more than one person.
Earlier this month, the Guardian reported separate sexual misconduct claims against CBI employees. These included an allegation of rape at a party dating back to 2019. In the time since the allegation, the Government has suspended its relationship with the CBI.
“Tony Danker [has been] dismissed with immediate effect following the independent investigation into specific complaints of workplace misconduct against him,” a statement read. It added that he was not subject to any of the further allegations reported in the Guardian.
Mr Danker has been fired without a redundancy package.
He had previously said on Twitter that he was “shocked” at the allegations. He apologised for “unintentionally” making colleagues feel uncomfortable.
“I recognise the intense publicity the CBI has suffered following the revelations of awful events that occurred before my time in office,” he tweeted. “I was appalled to learn about them for the first time last week.
“I was nevertheless shocked to learn this morning that I had been dismissed from the CBI, instead of being invited to put my position forward as was originally confirmed. Many of the allegations against me have been distorted, but I recognise that I unintentionally made a number of colleagues feel uncomfortable and I am truly sorry about that. I want to wish my former CBI colleagues every success.”
How could the Tony Danker situation impact the CBI?
The CBI is facing a crisis and has acknowledged “serious failings” in how it has acted as an organisation. “We must do better, and we must be better,” the CBI statement said.
Rain Newton-Smith, the CBI’s former chief economist, has replaced Mr Danker in the top job. She becomes the second woman to take the role.
The CBI statement added: “We know it will take time for these steps to make a difference and rebuild trust. We will not hesitate to take any measures necessary in the meantime to act on further findings or complaints that arise from ongoing investigations.”
