Supermarket boss Sir Ken Morrison

Sir Ken Morrison, who was instrumental in growing supermarket Morrisons into one of Britain’s largest retailers, has died aged 85 following a short illness.

A statement from Sir Ken’s family said: “We are very sad to share the news that Sir Ken died today aged 85 following a short illness. He died peacefully at home in North Yorkshire with his family.

“Sir Ken was, of course, a unique figure in the history of grocery retailing in the UK, for more than half a century being the driving force at the heart of Morrisons as it grew from two market stalls to become one of the UK’s largest retailers.”

Sir Ken, who was one of Yorkshire’s richest men, stood down as chairman of Morrisons in 2008.

It was under Sir Ken’s leadership that Morrisons opened its first town centre shop in 1958 and first supermarket in 1961, both in Bradford.

Sir Ken died following a short illness.