The boss of John Lewis will face a confidence vote by staff members on Wednesday over plans to diversify into building flats for rent.
Chair Sharon White is considering radical ways to bring in up to £2bn in outside investment to help secure the future of the John Lewis Partnership, after reporting hefty losses from its chain of department stores and Waitrose supermarkets.
On Wednesday, White will present her case to the 61-member John Lewis Partnership council, which will then vote on their level of confidence.
The votes are symbolic rather than binding. However, they can be influential as the business is owned by its 74,000 staff and the council has the power to oust the chair at any time if members see fit.
