Lord Grabiner, top commercial barrister and Master of Clare College, Cambridge, has defended his decision to give legal advice to Wentworth's new owners - in face of furious opposition from the club's members
One of Britain’s most respected barristers has been accused by fellow members of a prestigious golf club of betraying them.
Lord Grabiner, who is also master of Clare College, Cambridge, was hired by the new owners of Wentworth Club to give advice on the legality of its plans to drive up fees while drastically cutting the number of members.
Lord Grabiner, who is an honorary member of the club, declared in a legal opinion paid for by Reignwood that such a move was legal. His advice has underpinned Wentworth’s plans to bring in the new membership policy by 2017.
The changes have caused outrage at the Surrey club, considered one of the finest in the country. All the current members will have to apply to rejoin Wentworth with no guarantee of success. Those who are invited to rejoin will then have to pay £100,000 as well as increased annual membership fees. "
Lord Grabiner, who was ennobled by Tony Blair but resigned the Labour whip following the election of Jeremy Corbyn as party leader, remains an honorary member of the club, which entitles him to play at Wentworth for free.
But Michael Fleming, Wentworth’s captain, said: “I feel stabbed in the back by Lord Grabiner. You don’t expect an honorary member to draw up legal advice to evict all the members who have provided everything for him.”
Top barrister accused of betraying fellow golf club members in Wentworth row - Telegraph
One of Britain’s most respected barristers has been accused by fellow members of a prestigious golf club of betraying them.
Lord Grabiner, who is also master of Clare College, Cambridge, was hired by the new owners of Wentworth Club to give advice on the legality of its plans to drive up fees while drastically cutting the number of members.
Lord Grabiner, who is an honorary member of the club, declared in a legal opinion paid for by Reignwood that such a move was legal. His advice has underpinned Wentworth’s plans to bring in the new membership policy by 2017.
The changes have caused outrage at the Surrey club, considered one of the finest in the country. All the current members will have to apply to rejoin Wentworth with no guarantee of success. Those who are invited to rejoin will then have to pay £100,000 as well as increased annual membership fees. "
Lord Grabiner, who was ennobled by Tony Blair but resigned the Labour whip following the election of Jeremy Corbyn as party leader, remains an honorary member of the club, which entitles him to play at Wentworth for free.
But Michael Fleming, Wentworth’s captain, said: “I feel stabbed in the back by Lord Grabiner. You don’t expect an honorary member to draw up legal advice to evict all the members who have provided everything for him.”
Top barrister accused of betraying fellow golf club members in Wentworth row - Telegraph
