We don’t do politics, claim some of the most political organisations on Earth

Tony Blair’s famed spin doctor Alastair Campbell is supposed to have replied “We don’t do God,” when asked about the Prime Minister’s faith.

Companies large and small like to claim “we don’t do politics”, for the same reason – fear of upsetting the customers (or voters).

In both cases the answers are disingenuous.

Blair was perfectly happy to use his belief in God when it suited him. Indeed, by the end he seemed to think he was one.

Large companies lobby on any number of issues. The notion that they are apolitical organisations is laughable.

For a start, not a single one of them thinks it should be taxed or regulated more that it presently is. That’s a political position, not a neutral one.

Some CEOs are quite open about their politics – Sir Tim Martin, Lord Wolfson, Archie Norman, Lord Cruddas – are Tories and proud of it.

You’d guess most FTSE CEOs are the same.

Now that a general election has been called, top CEOs are bound to be asked for a view on who they want to win.

I think “I don’t want to discuss it because it might put off some customers” is at least a more honest answer than “we aren’t a political organisation”.

But I think you can do better than that without committing anything too definitely.

You can pivot, as the PR tactic has it.

So the CEO can say she will vote for anyone who agreed to do a) b) and c). She’s thinking about who might be most likely to deliver that.

Ruth Leas, the CEO of Investec’s UK arm, handled it well today – by diving straight in, rather than waiting to be asked.

“The future is looking bright with the potential for rate cuts and the election announced yesterday. Everyone wants clarity so they can make decisions – we have been treading water for some time,” she said.

So she talked about the election and said she was glad it’s finally happening.

That’s a quotable point of view at least, which is miles better than a timid “no comment”.