A prominent celebrity hairdresser has publicly joined a nationwide business revolt against Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Budget, announcing a ban on Labour ministers from his prestigious London salon.
Salons and Pubs Unite in Protest
Michael Van Clarke, an entrepreneur who leads a team of 50 hairdressers and beauticians at his west London salon, is backing a growing protest by firms across the country. His decision follows a similar movement from the hospitality sector, where more than 1,000 pubs have already barred Labour MPs from their premises.
The backlash is a direct response to the Chancellor's changes to business rates, which many small business owners claim will cripple them. Some barbers and salons have even put up 'No Labour MPs' signs to express their anger.
A-List Clientele No Exception for Labour Ministers
Van Clarke's salon, which opened in Marylebone in 1988, counts A-list celebrities, royal families, and top politicians among its clients. However, members of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's top team will now be refused service.
'We have a history of looking after senior party members on both sides but I fully support this latest initiative,' Van Clarke told The Sun. 'I feel the lives of Labour MPs should be hindered and diminished like they are doing to ours.'
He added, 'I don't think they are all evil. Most are just naive and ideologically stupid. If the entire country refuses to do business with them perhaps they will get the message.'
Businesses 'Hanging on by a Thread'
The protest is not isolated. Collette Osborne, who runs two Hairven salons in Nottinghamshire, has also erected a 'No Labour MPs' sign. She faces an increase in her business rates bill of more than £10,000 a year.
'[Ms Reeves] promised she would act to protect small businesses and high street salons. I am furious that the Government now seem to have their fingers in their ears,' Ms Osborne stated.
She emphasised the financial strain, noting there is 'no spare capacity to absorb business rate increases on top of rising wages, utilities, finance costs and Covid debt repayments.'
While Chancellor Reeves has promised a £4.3 billion support package to cap rate hikes for the hardest-hit sectors from next April, industry groups demand greater action. They warn of a devastating impact on High Streets and describe the planned increases as 'unsustainable'.
Senior Tory MP and shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride commented, 'I'm sorry to see hairdressers being forced to make a stand against this anti-business Government but I'm not surprised.' He accused Labour of breaking a clear message that business rates would be cut.
A Labour source defended the policy, stating, 'The Government is backing High Street businesses across the country, including hairdressers and salons. That's why the Chancellor announced a support package worth £4.3billion at the Budget last month.'
