Morrison's show of unity

DAVID Jones, deputy chairman of supermarkets chain Wm Morrison, will give public backing this week to Sir Ken Morrison's continued leadership of the troubled group. But he will also press on with behind-the-scenes efforts to recruit a new chief executive.

The troubled group agreed last week to appoint up to four new directors. It hopes to name two at the annual meeting on Thursday.

Jones will pledge support for Sir Ken. But the public display of unity conceals a bitter tussle to organise an orderly succession at the top of the company.

As recently as last Wednesday, Sir Ken was resisting the idea that he should become non-executive 'life president' of the group. Jones, however, believes it would be easier to find a suitable chief executive to work unhindered if Sir Ken was in a fully hands-off position. The current chief executive-62-year-old Bob Stott, is due to go soon.

Jones has spoken to Archie Norman, who helped rescue Asda before it was sold to Wal-Mart, about joining. Norman is available since standing down as a Conservative MP. Coincidentally, Ffion Hague, wife of former Tory leader William Hague, is acting as head-hunter for Morrisons.

Norman has until now indicated that he would rather be involved in private equity than run a quoted company.