Iceland boss and former Tory donor Richard Walker has publically backed Labour in the general election, after quitting the Conservative party in October.
Writing in The Guardian, the retail leader insisted that Labour was the was “the right choice for the communities across the country where Iceland operates – and the right choice for everyone in business who wants to see this country grow and prosper”.
Walker, who previously had launched a bid to become a Tory MP, claimed Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer had “transformed” the party since taking over from Jeremy Corbyn.
He also commended Starmer’s “compassion and concern for the less fortunate” which he compared to the Conservatives.
Walker said: “He absolutely gets it when I talk to him about the way that the cost-of-living crisis has put unbearable strain on the finances of so many of my customers and their families, and the urgent need for a government that does everything in its power to ease their burden.”
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He also added that shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves understood “the critical importance of wealth creation” and “knows that we must revive our manufacturing and services”.
Iceland executive chairman Walker added: “Driving impetus into our planning system will be a great place to start, removing the barriers that underresourced planning departments and perverse rules currently put in our way both in opening more job-creating stores and in converting surplus commercial property to much-needed housing.
“This is one way Labour can breathe new life into our wearied high streets and enhance the quality of all our lives.”
Although the Iceland boss claimed he would back Labour at the next general election, he said he would not be joining as a party member.
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