Keir Starmer has appointed Iceland executive chairman Richard Walker as a Labour peer.
Walker, who was previously a Conservative supporter, will be made a Labour peer when the party appoints a further 25 representatives to parliament’s upper house later in the month, The Sun reported.
The supermarket boss is expected to use his seat in the House of Lords to campaign on dealing with the cost of living crisis.
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A Labour source said: “Richard Walker is a committed champion for families dealing with the cost of living – from campaigning to make infant formula more affordable to helping customers avoid loan sharks.
“He will be a strong voice in Parliament and we are delighted to welcome him.”
The move comes after Walker launched a campaign to become a Conservative MP in 2022. The exec also donated almost £10,000 to the party in July 2020.
In 2024, he backed Keir Starmer, claiming that he had “exactly what it takes to be a great leader”.
Retail Gazette has contacted Iceland for comment.
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