Barclays new chief was at failed bank

CAMPAIGNERS have attacked Barclays for offering a top job to a former non-executive director at failed lender Bradford & Bingley.

Barclays is lining up chairman of Debenhams Sir Ian Cheshire to run its ring-fenced unit overseeing consumer and small business operations, and has asked regulators to give their approval.

Cheshire made his name as boss of B&Q owner Kingfisher. But he was also at B&B for five years – quitting as it collapsed in 2008.

He is now a non-executive at Whitbread, where he angered shareholders this year for poor attendance at meetings, missing three out of 11.

Labour MP John Mann, said: ‘Same old failed bankers. When will they ever learn?’

Justin Modray, of Candid Money, said: ‘You would expect Barclays to opt for an ultra-safe pair of hands. Given this guy’s track record, it perhaps isn’t the most sensible appointment.’

Barclays declined to comment.