As Boris Johnson alienates bosses, can Labour become the party of business?

Harold Wilson launched the Labour Business grouping 50 years ago. ‘By showing an understanding of the future, Wilson was able to gain the trust of the public and put into sharp focus a tired Conservative government running out of ideas.’ Photograph: Frank Martin/The Guardian

For decades the Conservatives have styled themselves as the natural party of business. But now, as Boris Johnson stretches the relationship to breaking point, senior Labour figures believe their party has a historic opportunity to win that moniker.

Launching a report in Manchester on Friday backed by the shadow business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, the affiliate group Labour Business said the party could “seize the moment” to win over company bosses before the next election.