// Several high-profile city figures have backed former Tesco chair John Allan amid claims of inappropriate behaviour towards female employees
// Boots CEO Seb James and former John Lewis executive director Pippa Wicks have signed a letter supporting the Allan
The former chair of Tesco John Allan has been supported by 11 high-profile city figures following allegations of misconduct towards four female employees.
In a letter, the individuals said that Allan has been “publicly traduced” by claims of inappropriate behaviour at events run by the CBI and Tesco, The Times reported.
Signatories include Boots chief executive Seb James and former John Lewis executive director Pippa Wicks which have supported a statement that the “allegations…do not reflect the character of the man we know”.
Allan has also stated that he had received more than 100 messages of support after the claims against him.
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Allan stepped down as chairman of Tesco last month to avoid the allegations becoming a “distraction” for the retailer.
The letter said: “According to the media, John complimented a woman on her dress, then immediately apologised. This is true. Three further claims are anonymous, unsubstantiated and vehemently denied.
“None of the organisations related to these three further claims which John represented at the time have received complaints against him, formal or informal.
“Yet, despite this lack of evidence, John has been widely, publicly traduced.”
Last week, Allan hired media law firm Schillings and is considering suing The Guardian to defend himself
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