Is Lloyds chief plotting to stay?

A TOP Lloyds banker once tipped to succeed boss Antonio Hortaosorio is quitting.

Commercial bank head Andrew Bester is leaving to pursue other interests. It is likely to trigger speculation that Horta-Osorio wants to stay at the bank, following talk he could leave.

Earlier this year, the Government sold the final shares it acquired during Lloyds’ £20.3bn bailout in 2008 for a £900m profit.

The top job at HSBC is set to become vacant next year and Horta-Osorio has been linked with the role. However, he is now expected to unveil a three-year plan in February – suggesting he will stay. Retail bank head David Oldfield is replacing Bester.