What: Several members of the Partnership’s council have requested that this week’s vote of confidence in White’s leadership take place in secret.

Why it is important: White has been under pressure as the retail group’s latest results showed a GBP 234 million loss and her plan to sell a minority stake in the business would dilute its partnership model.

In the past, secret votes have resulted in significant rebellions which would pile further pressure on White.

The vote takes place twice a year and will follow a meeting in which White and her senior executives will answer questions from the council about its performance.

According to a spokeswoman, councilors have requested a secret ballot as they didn’t want their names to appear in the media. However, recent letters from staff have shown their discontent in White’s leadership.

John Lewis chair White could face secret vote of confidence