Iceland boss Richard Walker to become Labour peer, sources say

The chairman of the grocery store chain Iceland shall be nominated for a Labour peerage, sources throughout the get together have confirmed.They stated Richard Walker was “a dedicated champion of households coping with the price of dwelling” and “shall be a powerful voice in Parliament”.The 45-year-old left the Conservative Occasion in 2023, and was later seen on the launch of Labour’s manifesto for the 2024 normal election.He assumed management of the frozen meals retailer from his father, who based the chain, in 2023.Mr Walker was amongst a protracted listing of Conservative candidates to face to be an MP, having been chosen to be a member of the then-Tory authorities’s enterprise council in 2022.On the time he stated he was “honoured” by the place.Nevertheless, 18 months later, he stated he may not help the get together, telling the BBC on the time it was “out of contact” and criticising it for its dealing with of the financial system and local weather change.Mr Walker then threw his help behind Labour, writing within the Guardian that now-Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer “has precisely what it takes to be an awesome chief”.In February this yr, he gave the brand new authorities a rating of “six out of 10” in feedback to the Monetary Instances, taking subject with it elevating employer nationwide insurance coverage contributions however praising its makes an attempt to enhance relations with the EU.Regardless of having a majority within the Home of Commons, Labour is at the moment outnumbered within the Lords, with 210 friends to the Tories’ 282.Mr Walker was made an OBE within the 2022 Birthday Honours for companies to enterprise and the setting.