CBI boss Tony Danker sacked over misconduct claims

Tony Danker, the boss of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), has been fired following an investigation into complaints about his conduct at work involving a female employee. Three other CBI employees have also been suspended pending further investigation into allegations.

The CBI is liaising with the police and intends to fully cooperate with any police investigations. Danker, who stepped aside in March during the investigation, has not commented.

In its statement on Tuesday, the CBI said: “Tony Danker is dismissed with immediate effect following the independent investigation into specific complaints of workplace misconduct against him.

“The board wishes to make clear he is not the subject of any of the more recent allegations in The Guardian but has determined that his own conduct fell short of that expected of the director general.”

Last week, The Guardian newspaper reported fresh sexual misconduct claims against CBI employees, including an allegation of rape at a summer boat party in 2019. The CBI has postponed its public events and hired law firm Fox Williams to conduct a separate investigation. Government departments have put their engagement with the CBI on hold.

Rain Newton-Smith will replace Danker as the new CBI boss.