Labour's approach to business 'scares' Yo! Sushi founder

Simon Woodroffe says Labour's business approach 'scares' him. Credit: Joe Giddens/Michael Stephens/PA Wire

Labour is facing another attack from a senior business figure, a Labour supporter, who claims the party's approach "scares" him.

Simon Woodroffe, the founder of restaurant chain Yo! Sushi said he was worried about the way Ed Miliband had targeted business leaders.

The businessman, who has donated to senior Tory MP Oliver Letwin since last supporting Labour, told BBC2's Newsnight that political parties had to support business.

Asked what he thought of Labour's current approach to business, Mr Woodroffe said:

Shadow chancellor Ed Balls insisted the party was pro-business - but he was unable to remember the full name of an expert who has been advising Labour.

Mr Woodroffe's comments followed criticism from corporate bosses including Boots chief Stefano Pessina, who suggested it could be a "catastrophe" if Mr Miliband became prime minister.

Shadow chancellor Mr Balls told Newsnight that while the Conservatives had "lurched to the right", Labour was "the centre ground, pro-business party today".

But when questioned he failed to recall the full name of Bill Thomas, the former HP and EDS executive who is leading Labour's small business task force.