The exodus of companies from the London Stock Exchange due to takeovers has reached the highest level in 14 years, in a major blow to Keir Starmer‘s government.

Forty-five firms have dropped their listings in the Capital so far this year because of mergers or acquisitions, according to figures compiled by Bloomberg, as concerns persist that economic conditions are putting off investment.

With the UK economy apparently on the brink, this year has seen a number of major deals, with the sale of…