Tough at the top

Life is not fair. Some people work hard to build global companies, give employment to thousands of people, make products people want at prices they can afford – in short, to bring joy to millions – and what thanks do they get?

Well, yes, there is money. Sir Christopher Gent, the chief executive of Vodafone, will receive around £5m this year. But what use is money when all it brings you is hurtful criticism from your fellow citizens, some of whom sit around their televisions all day remarking rudely that Vodafone shares are not quite the glamour stock they once were and saying he should try being a firefighter?

How lucky for Sir Chris, then, to have a chairman, Lord MacLaurin of Knebworth, to flounce on his behalf. Much more of this lip, says Lord M of K, and my friend will be off to America where business people who make a lot of money are "respected and heralded". Er, until they're not.