Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has reportedly caused a stir in the rarefied world of London's private members' clubs, with accusations she has been attempting to poach members from the exclusive 5 Hertford Street for her own rival venture, the Leconfield.
A Sanctuary for Tory Grandees
In the wake of the Conservative Party's crushing 2024 general election defeat, the opulent, fire-lit rooms of 5 Hertford Street in Mayfair have served as a sanctuary for licking wounds and plotting comebacks. However, the peace of these long lunches has allegedly been disrupted by Truss herself, who is said to have been wandering the premises to recruit for her new club, located just a street away.
The crux of the irritation lies in the stark difference in membership costs. While joining 5 Hertford Street is described as a relative snip at under £2,000 per year, Truss's Leconfield club is seeking £500,000 from 'founding members'. A friend of 5 Hertford Street's owner, entrepreneur Robin Birley, wryly noted: "It is rather rude, but at £500k, we are rather better value."
The Rival Ventures: Opulence vs 'Strategic Nexus'
The two clubs present contrasting visions of elite membership. 5 Hertford Street is a long-established haunt for the libertarian wing of the Tory party, frequented by figures like Boris Johnson and Priti Patel. It boasts a swish sushi bar, a fairy light-lit cigar terrace, and plush, maximally decorated rooms where business and political deals are famously struck.
By contrast, The Leconfield is the brainchild of Truss and property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz, who is converting his Curzon Street offices for the purpose. The building, currently a fairly run-down office block opposite a William Hill betting shop, is being pitched as something entirely different. On its website, Truss declares it will be a "strategic nexus for a global network of pro-growth leaders" and a "secure ecosystem" for those at the forefront of technology, policy, and capital.
Reactions and the Unlikely Exodus
The alleged headhunting has been met with bemusement and mild annoyance within 5 Hertford Street. One member recently questioned the logic of Truss's pitch to the Guardian, asking: "Who would pay half a million to hang out with Liz Truss?" A former cabinet minister and club member simply laughed when asked if he would become a Leconfield founder.
Despite the friction, there is little fear at 5H that Truss will make a significant dent in their membership. The club's allure extends beyond politics, counting celebrities like Harry Styles, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Margot Robbie among its visitors—a clientele unlikely to swap its established glamour for Truss's new 'beacon of sophistication and elegance'.
This marks Tchenguiz's latest attempt to revamp Leconfield House, following failed plans for a luxury hotel and high-end flats. Now, the tycoon is betting on the former prime minister to finally make the property a success. Truss did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations.
