Mike Ashley may keep running House of Fraser in the family

Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley could turn to his future son-in-law Michael Murray, who is “head of elevation” at the sportswear retailer, to run House of Fraser.

Sources close to the company said Ashley will most likely appoint someone from his inner circle rather than go down the headhunting route after he sacked House of Fraser’s directors and senior management yesterday.

Murray, who is engaged to Ashley’s daughter Anna and has been looking after Sports Direct’s sprawling property portfolio since 2016, is a likely contender for the top job.

He could replace fired chief executive Alex Williamson, the former Goodwood Estate boss whose retail experience has been questioned.

Murray is not directly employed by Sports Direct and still works as a consultant paid up to £5 million.

Separately, carpet seller ScS, which is in 12 House of Frasers and posted an increase in profits and revenues today, said communication with Sports Direct’s management “hasn’t been difficult”.