LONDON: The row over proposed NI rises has drawn the focus away from Gordon Brown's speech promising fundamental reform of the political system.
As David Cameron and Gordon Brown clashed over national insurance, the Tory leader used the final Prime Minister's questions before the election to taunt Mr Brown over Labour's claims that business leaders were 'deceived' into backing Tory plans.
The Conservatives claim the tally of senior business figures backing their proposals has risen to 68, who between them employ more than 850 000 people.
New signatories include Jewson's chief executive, Peter Hindle MBE, Corus chief executive, Kirby Adams, the Northern Foods chief executive, Stefan Barden and Reed Elsevier's chairman, Anthony Habgood.
