Tesco chairman John Allen will step down next month after claims of misconduct

Tesco chairman John Allen is to step down next month after eight years in the role following allegations of his personal conduct.

Allen, a former CBI chief, this month denied three separate allegations of impropriety. He apologized “unreservedly” for a fourth charge, in which he admitted to telling a female CBI employee that her dress “suited her figure”.

The supermarket group has begun the search for his successor and will conclude the process “in the near future”.

Allen will step down at Tesco’s annual meeting on 16 June. Byron Grote, senior independent director of the supermarket, will become interim chairman.