Wetherspoon’s shareholders under pressure to act over boss’ pro-Brexit spending
Tim Martin, Chairman of JD Wetherspoon with Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a visit to Wetherspoons Metropolitan Bar in London. Photo: Henry Nicholls / PA - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
An influential investment group has told the investors of JD Wetherspoon to vote down an annual report because of concerns on pro-Brexit spending.
The Pensions and Investment Research Consultants (PIRC) group said the annual report may have bias after the Guardian raised questions about the pub-chain spending almost £95,000 during the 2016 referendum campaign.
The newspaper claims the chain mayhave also broken company law by buying and distributing 1.9 million beermats supporting Brexit.
PIRC approved Wetherspoon's report in 2018, but has changed its view this year due to concerns about referendum spending alongside apparently weak policies on sustainability.
PIRC told their investor clients that due to these sustainability concerns, "and as a precautionary measure against potential political expenditure concerns, an oppose vote is recommended."
READ MORE: Wetherspoon's shares drop as boss pulls Brexit 'savings' stunt
You may also want to watch:
Tim Martin, who owns 32% of the company, has often used his pubs as a means of elevating his own pro-Leave views, through distributing beermats and even a Eurosceptic magazine.
J D Wetherspoon said they will not be commenting on the matter until after their annual general meeting.
Most Read
- 1 Labour leader defends NHS after being kicked out of pub in Bath
- 2 Opposition parties push for probe into Boris Johnson's conduct following viral video
- 3 Brexit regret: Meet the Leave voters who wish they hadn't voted Leave
- 4 ‘I should not have listened to Cameron’ – Former European Commission president
- 5 A chapter is over for Britain, for good or ill
- 6 Scottish Tory leader accused of 'nonsense' excuse for Boris Johnson avoiding Scotland
- 7 The biggest scandal may be that no rules were broken
- 8 Russell Kane: Why working class people like Boris Johnson
- 9 Welsh government refused permission for legal challenge over post-Brexit bill
- 10 Annalena Baerbock: Can the Queen of Green seize the Bundestag?
In a text sent to the Guardian, Martin reportedly simply commented "PIRC rhymes with berk".
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.
