Sir Shifty closer to losing knighthood

DISGRACED tycoon Sir Philip Green could lose his knighthood after the collapse of BHS, officials have confirmed.

The billionaire, dubbed Sir Shifty, is blamed for allowing the 88-year-old high street retailer to fail earlier this year, months after selling it to a thrice-bankrupt businessman.

Last night an MP said the Cabinet Office had told him it was looking at whether he should be stripped of his award for ‘bringing the honours system into disrepute’.

Sir Philip was knighted by Tony Blair in 2006 for services to retail, but calls have been growing for the title to be removed if it is shown his handling of BHS lacked integrity.

Critics say the honour should be removed unless he helps plug the £571million pensions black hole which threatens 20,000 exworkers’ retirement savings. More than 10,000 BHS jobs are under threat.

Labour MP Jim McMahon, who called for Sir Philip’s knighthood to be removed earlier this year, said he had been told by the Cabinet Office that such a move is being considered. A letter, written by the department’s honours, diversity and outreach co-ordinator, said: ‘I hope you will understand that I cannot comment on the particular circumstances of Sir Philip, but I can assure you that the case is being reviewed.’

The Topshop owner is set to be attacked in a Commons report on Monday. A joint report by the business and work and pensions committees will detail findings into why the retailer was allowed to collapse 13 months after being sold to Dominic Chappell.

It will be released just as Sir Philip enjoys his latest £100million yacht off Malta – and the first tranche of stores are shuttered.

Administrator Duff & Phelps will close the first 50 of 164 branches today, with more than 700 jobs expected to be made redundant.

More than 10,000 jobs are still at risk, while the company’s pension scheme has a £571million black hole. Mr McMahon said: ‘It is important that we continue to campaign to get justice for everyone affected by the collapse of BHS.’ Last night a Cabinet Office spokesman could not confirm or deny whether the honour was due to be removed.