Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley attacks Burnham's 'populist' High Street plans

Mike Ashley attacks Burnham plans as'populist' Billionaire Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley has criticised recent cost of living and retail policies from Andy Burnham as populist reactions. In a letter to the prime minister, the entrepreneur accused him of jumping on'everyday fixes' or bandwagons, while disastrous business rates policies and increases to the cost of employing workers were causing businesses to struggle. He also described a previous proposal of increasing business rates on large warehouses to help reduce them for pubs and clubs as delusional. A Downing Street spokesperson said Burnham would build a new economy that backs British business, delivers growth in every postcode and ensures the essentials in life - like energy, water and housing - are affordable again. Promises including cutting VAT from household electricity bills and reducing business rates for some firms is just the start, they added.