John Lewis staff votes on Sharon White’s leadership as questions arise about the retailer’s future
In pink: Sharon White arrives at the coronation
John Lewis staff may vote on Sharon White’s leadership this week as questions arise about the retailer’s future.
Tomorrow and Wednesday, 60 worker representatives will have their say on White’s role as chairman at a council meeting, including two votes on her leadership, according to reports from The Sunday Times.
While White cannot be impeached by this vote, the council can fire her at any time if she fails to fulfill her responsibilities.
The board vote comes just weeks after it emerged that White might consider selling a stake in the company, undermining the 70-year-old partnership model in which 74,000 employees are co-owners.
The plan drew backlash, with ex-boss Andy Street saying the end of the partnership would be a “tragedy”.
Staff missed out on a bonus this year after the retail group posted an annual loss of £230m.
Chris Earnshaw, Chairman of the Partnership Council, said: ‘Since 1919, the Chairman has held sessions with our Council to reflect on performance. This is a routine part of our democratic process.”