However, industry leaders such as Mary Portas criticised the potential move, which could stop the company being entirely owned by its employees. John Lewis Partnership chairwoman Dame Sharon White is facing a confidence vote (John Lewis/PA)On Wednesday Dame Sharon will provide an update to the John Lewis Partnership council, a 61-member group of staff elected by its workforce. John Lewis will host a “holding to account” session at the end of the event where a debate will take place involving the chairwoman. The vote is non-binding but can be influential as the partnership council has separate powers to dismiss the chairwoman “in extremis”, according to the firm’s constitution. Chris Earnshaw, president of the partnership council, said: “Since 1919, the chairman has held sessions with our council to reflect on the performance of the partnership.

Source: The Star May 10, 2023 13:16 UTC