Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley attacks Burnham's 'populist' High Street plans.
Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley has publicly criticized Prime Minister Andy Burnham's recent retail and cost-of-living policies, labeling them as populist. Ashley argues that current business rates and employment cost increases are damaging to the retail sector and has called for significant changes in the upcoming Budget.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between major business leaders and the government regarding economic recovery strategies and the future of the British high street.
Image source, Getty Images By Archie Mitchell and Ben King , Business reporters Published 27 minutes ago Billionaire Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley has criticised recent cost of living and retail policies from Andy Burnham as "populist reactions".
In a letter to the prime minister, the entrepreneur accused him of "jumping on 'everyday fixes' or bandwagons", while "disastrous" business rates policies and increases to the cost of employing workers were causing businesses to struggle.
He also described a previous proposal of increasing business rates on large warehouses to help reduce them for pubs and clubs as "delusional".
A Downing Street spokesperson said Burnham would "build a new economy that backs British business, delivers growth in every postcode and ensures the essentials in life - like energy, water and housing - are affordable again."
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