Google boss helps Tories search for way out of recession

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 10 Feb 2009 at 12:34

Google CEO Eric Schmidt is joining a panel of business experts that will advise the Conservative Party on how to beat the recession.

The Economic Recovery Committee will "review and analyse the domestic and international economic situation, discuss immediate policy proposals to deal with the current crisis and co-ordinate strategy for the long term reconstruction of Britain's economy," according to the Tories.

Schmidt, who was heavily rumoured to be under consideration for the role of chief technology officer in President Obama's administration, will join the panel in a personal capacity.

The group, chaired by Cameron itself, will meet every fortnight to discuss the latest economic issues, although it seems highly unlikely that the California-based Google supremo will be jetting over for meetings.

Schmidt isn't the only tech industry representative to sit on the panel. Former Vodafone chief executive, Sir Christopher Gent, is also joining the six-strong panel of industry experts.

The shadow chancellor George Osborne - who will chair the panel in Cameron's absence - and newly-appointed shadow business secretary Ken Clarke will be among the politicians on the panel.