Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley has criticised Burnham’s High Street plans, describing them as “populist” in a letter addressing recent policy proposals affecting consumers and retailers.
In the letter, the entrepreneur accuses the prime minister of “jumping on ‘everyday fixes’ or bandwagons” through the latest cost of living and retail policies.
The intervention places Ashley, one of the UK’s most prominent retail figures, in direct opposition to the direction of the proposals. His comments centre on policies presented as responses to pressures on households and the High Street.
The remarks also underline continuing tensions over how political leaders should respond to retail challenges and the cost of living. Ashley’s criticism suggests concern that the plans are being framed around popular short-term measures rather than a wider approach to business and retail policy.
No further details of the letter, the full set of policies criticised, or any response from Burnham or the prime minister were provided in the available material. The latest known position is that Ashley has publicly challenged the proposals through his written intervention.
