The chairman of supermarket giant Asda has publicly expressed his disappointment with the Labour government, accusing it of allowing key manifesto promises to vanish from its agenda.
‘Growth has disappeared’
In a frank interview on LBC’s Nick Ferrari at Christmas programme, Stuart Alan Ransom Rose, Baron Rose of Monewden, stated that the central theme of economic growth had been abandoned. “The word growth has disappeared. We haven’t heard it mentioned at all,” Lord Rose said. He was blunt in his assessment of the government's recent budget, adding, “And as I said, this is not a pro-growth budget. At the moment, frankly, to be crude, it’s going down the urinal.”
A ‘small c’ conservative’s reluctant support
Describing himself as a “Conservative with a small c”, the retail veteran revealed a complex political stance. He admitted, “I would vote for another Labour government, but I would want some change in the meantime.” When pressed on why he would support Labour despite his criticisms, Lord Rose framed it as a choice between difficult options. “Well, it’s a question of degrees of pain, isn’t it?” he replied. “If I can’t have a resurgent Conservative Party… or I’ve got the alternative, which, frankly, is supping with the devil.”
Asda’s Christmas fuel price cut
The interview coincided with Asda urging its customers to take advantage of a seasonal fuel discount. The supermarket has slashed fuel prices by 3p per litre at hundreds of its forecourts to assist motorists with travel costs over the festive period. However, this offer is set to expire on New Year’s Eve, December 31.
To claim the discount, drivers need to fill their vehicle, purchase £15 worth of shopping in store, and the reduction will be applied automatically at the till. Joseph Sutton, Asda Express Vice President for foodservice and fuel, said: “We know every penny matters for our customers – especially at Christmas. With so many of us set to travel over the next few days to see friends and family, we’re letting people know that Asda has you covered.”
Lord Rose’s comments provide a significant business perspective on the current political climate, highlighting concerns over economic direction from a major UK employer, even as its stores offer temporary relief at the pumps.
