MP calls for law change to help John Lewis remain employee-owned

Labour former minister Gareth Thomas said his reforms would act as ‘rocket fuel’ for staff-owned businesses like retail giant John Lewis.

A John Lewis store in London’s Oxford Street (Sean Dempsey/PA) (PA Wire)

John Lewis would be helped to remain staff-owned by a proposed law to be tabled in Parliament, according to an MP.

Former minister Gareth Thomas said his plans would act as “rocket fuel” for mutual companies, while staving off the need to give up decision-making powers to investors.

Reports last week suggested John Lewis is considering ending its 100% staff-owned structure, with the partnership’s chairwoman Sharon White exploring plans to sell a minority stake in the business to raise cash.