CBI Faces Crucial Vote on Reforms Amid Allegations of Misconduct and Rape

The vote is on a package of reforms aimed at addressing a toxic culture and misconduct allegations, including two allegations of rape.

The CBI's director general, Rain Newton-Smith, will appeal to members to approve the changes, which include changes to the board and the establishment of a people and culture sub-committee.

The vote is expected to be announced after 4pm.

Defeat would leave the CBI's future in question, as income has already been hit by a fall in membership payments and a redundancy program has been announced.

Other business groups have moved to fill the void, with the British Chambers of Commerce announcing a new business council on the eve of the vote.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is facing a rival lobby group, but the head of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) says the two groups are not competing with each other.

Some major companies have ended their membership in the CBI in the spring, but there is no rush for them to return.

Some companies are keeping an open mind and benefiting from their industry-specific trade body, while others, such as Aviva and NatWest, have no plans to change their position.

The CBI president has acknowledged failures, and leading firms that suspended engagement are waiting for the outcome of the vote before deciding whether to resume engagement.

Some may be waiting to see if the reforms are enough to persuade the government to resume engagement, which gives the Prime Minister significant leverage over the CBI.