John Lewis chair Sharon White wins confidence vote but staff rebuke losses

Partnership council ‘did not support last year’s performance’

John Lewis Partnership chair Dame Sharon White

Dame Sharon White won a confidence vote on her leadership as chair of the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) on Wednesday, but was rebuked over the struggling retailer’s financial performance.

Partners gave their backing at an internal representatives’ meeting despite her plans to consider outside investment in the employee-owned group.

The suggestion led to criticism of Ms White, including from retail consultant and television personality Mary Portas who said the partnership, which also includes supermarket Waitrose, risked losing its soul.