DUNC IS BIG DUNCE; EXCLUSIVE 'Snobby' Tory insult at non-business jobs.

Byline: By OONAGH BLACKMAN, Political Editor

A MILLIONAIRE Tory toff has accused Labour ministers with working class backgrounds of having "no business experience whatsoever".

Alan Duncan, the Shadow Industry Secretary, made his outburst on the day that Conservative leader David Cameron launched a big push for votes in blue collar heartlands in the North, where huge areas are Tory-free.

Mr Duncan pompously said: "The Government's DTI ministers include a former firefighter, a university lecturer, a social policy analyst, a seaman, a local government manual worker and a solicitor.

"But not one person who has run their own business or even worked in business. On the other hand, our shadow team includes a former oil trader, a public and government relations adviser and a partner in a commercial law firm."

But Mr Duncan failed to mention Lord Sainsbury, one of the country's most successful business figures, is on Labour's DTI team. The tycoon is a governor of the London Business School and has written books on wealth creation and jobs.

Those targeted by Mr Duncan include ex-seaman Ian McCartney, the Minister for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs and Jim Fitzpatrick, a former firefighter, who is Junior Minister for Employment Relations.

Mr McCartney said: "If you thought Cameron's Tories had changed their colours this attack on working people is proof they haven't. We weren't all born with a silver spoon in our mouths." Mr Fitzpatrick added: "It is pure snobbery."

ATory spokesman said last night: "He was simply making the point that it helps to have had business experience if you're in the DTI team."

Voice of the Mirror: Page 6

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THAT'S RICH: Frontbencher Alan Duncan