Neighbours behind coup at Stobart

THE ex-boss of Stobart Group has defended his relationship with the retail billionaire and neighbour he wants to install as chairman.

Andrew Tinkler, 54, said he and Philip Day, 52, were merely business acquaintances who also knew each other socially.

He insisted the pair, who own estates next to each other in Cumbria, had seen each other at events seven times in the previous seven years, and had four business meetings over investment advice.

He added: ‘He is a highly successful businessman, and a person whose advice I respect.’

Tinkler spoke out amid questions from the board of Stobart Group over Edinburgh Woollen Mill owner Day’s independence.

Tinkler left as chief executive of Stobart Group last year before launching his campaign to replace chairman Iain Ferguson, saying he is not the man for the job.

He was fired from the board last month amid accusations he was subverting the company.

Yesterday shareholder advisory group Glass Lewis recommended shareholders vote against Day’s appointment.

Shareholders are due to vote at the company’s AGM on Friday.