John Lewis boss faces confidence vote as business considers ways to seek new funds

Sharon White wants to bring in investors to build flats above stores, potentially leading to the sale of stake in the business

The boss of John Lewis will face a confidence vote by staff members on Wednesday as the business considers the option of raising funds by selling a stake in the business.

Chairman Sharon White is considering looking at radical ways to bring in outside investment of up to 2bn as a way to secure the future of the John Lewis Partnership (JLP), partly by diversifying into building flats for rent above shops, after reporting hefty losses from its chain of department stores and Waitrose supermarkets.