Business Diary: Johnson nails his colours to the mast

Come on Luke, tell us what you really think. Asked who he would be backing in the general election Luke Johnson, the former Pizza Express and Channel 4 chairman, wasn't exactly equivocal. "It seems to me that for any level-headed person who wants to live in a capitalist society, anything other than a Conservative vote is not just a wasted vote, you are voting for a lower standard of living," Johnson replied.

Here's the perfect name for a stop gap

Diary is thoroughly indebted to the Development Trusts Association for a (yet another) new piece of jargon for the business world. The DTA has been working with arts and community groups all over the country, setting up projects in shops that are empty because of the recession. It describes its activities as "meanwhile solutions".

Busson appeals for 24-hour party people

Hedge fund magnate Arpad Busson is renowned for the charity ball he runs each year, which attracts the rich and famous from all over the world. In 2010, he wants to go one better, sponsoring The Global Party, in which 80 parties will be held in venues around the world within 24 hours. Tickets start at £25,000, if you're interested.

Some good causes are in the money

Congratulations to YN Finance, a networking group for young entrepreneurs, which has raised more than £32,000 for good causes. The money, which will go to Norwood, a charity for people with learning disabilities, came from an evening of debates between leading business figures. Who knew hot air could be so lucrative?

Bannister is driven round the bend

Finally, spare a thought for Ken Bannister, who has for years made his living running the International Banana Club and Museum in Los Angeles. It hasn't been easy – Mr Bannister has painstakingly built a collection of 17,000 banana-related items. Now the local council has told him it wants to take possession of the building he rents because it has new plans for it. Diary has to chuckle at Mr Bannister's (inevitable) response? "I guess it's time to split," he says.

Number of the day: 1

The number of weeks that are left in the 2009-10 financial year – one to forget for the public finances