The UK's largest business group, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), was involved in a bizarre exchange on a call with dozens of leading members on Friday as it fights for survival.

Sky News understands that Rain Newton-Smith, the new CBI Director-General, highlighted a scarcity of female questioners during a joint briefing with Brian McBride, its president.

According to one account, Ms Newton-Smith pointed out that Mr McBride had not yet selected a female contributor.

The session was extended to include questions from two women, one of whom is said to have pointed out the gender imbalance.

A source close to the CBI said the questions were selected based on registration order.

Nevertheless, the exchange between Ms Newton-Smith and Mr McBride was interpreted by one listener as "awkward" and "embarrassing given the context".

The call with trade association representatives on Friday morning was part of an effort by the CBI's leadership to convince tens of thousands of members to vote in favor of a confidence motion at an extraordinary general meeting next Tuesday.

The CBI is facing extinction due to its handling of a sexual misconduct scandal that was preceded by the ousting of its former D-G, Tony Danker, over unrelated claims about his behavior.

Many members have expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI's reform agenda, which includes a string of board changes and the creation of several new committees.

PricewaterhouseCoopers, the UK's biggest accountancy firm, will not vote in next week's ballot, according to insiders.

The CBI has drafted in lawyers to prepare for a potential insolvency filing ahead of the crunch vote.

An adverse outcome from a vote at next week's extraordinary general meeting would leave directors with little choice but to begin a process to wind it up.

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