There was a great article on CityWire last week about Gordon Brown’s new tactic for currying favour with the voting public: appointing TV stars and business celebrities to roles in government. Alan Sugar was the first businessman-cum-TV star to assume a governmental role. Now Martha Lane Fox, founder of Lastminute.com, has been charged with boosting the use of technology across the UK as "digital champion". Ridiculous monikers aside, are these household names actually fit to hold their respective roles? The Alan Sugar debate has been raging for some time. But what of Lane Fox? Yes, she launched the super-successful e-commerce firm Lastminute.com back in 1998. But what of her latest ventures? Lucky Voice, founded in 2005, has karaoke bars in London, Brighton, Cardiff and Manchester. But how successful is it? Sales are not registered at Companies House or OneSource and there has been no mention of its profitability in the business press. Lane Fox is also non-exec of M&S. Great British retail institution it may be but cutting edge digital trailblazer it is not. Is she the right woman for the job? We would like to hear your suggestions for unlikely appointments to government roles. Simon Cowell for high priest of international relations? Gordon Ramsay as minister for women? Add your comment below. Related articles Martha Lane Fox – back in the spotlight Alan Sugar: “I’m no policy maker” Alan Sugar: "You’re the best I’ve ever had!"
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
