Famed financier and Conservative party donor Crispin Odey is defending his reputation after the Financial Times reported accusations of sexual misconduct against him by 13 women yesterday (all of which he strenuously denies). JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley are considering cutting ties with Odey, according to Reuters. So who can he turn to in these trying times? The elite club run by his friend Robin Birley, 5 Hertford Street, might be one option. But there is some mystery regarding his status at the club. The Londoner hears that Odey, right, was asked to stay away from the club long before yesterday’s story broke.
When The Londoner phoned him yesterday asking if he is still a club member, Odey said: “Of course I am! Robin [Birley] is a close friend.” When we put it to him that he hasn’t been seen there in yonks, Odey said: “Well, I’m a member of lots of clubs, one gets around.” But has he been asked to stay away? “No, not at all!” Didn’t he get the memo? The Hertford Street club didn’t seem sure of their own position. When we put the story to them, the club gave some confused responses before telling us that they do not comment on the identity of members. Birley has previously described Odey as “a personal friend and a valued member of 5 Hertford Street”.
