Mike Ashley, retail billionaire behind Frasers Group, has criticized Andy Burnham’s proposals to revive British high streets as “delusional” and “populist” in a letter to the prime minister. Burnham, the new prime minister, has made high street revival a central policy, proposing business rates discounts for pubs and clubs funded by hiking rates on retailer-owned warehouses. Ashley rejected the plan, calling it “simply delusional” and warning that the “hostile business climate” will continue to devastate high streets unless taxes are cut.

He also opposed Burnham’s proposal to give councils more powers to block vape shops and adult gaming centers, labeling such measures “shortsighted or populist reactions.” Ashley echoed Lord Stuart Rose, former Marks & Spencer CEO, who dismissed Burnham’s plans as “a lot of bollocks about nothing.” The Frasers Group owner, who recently acquired Harvey Nichols out of administration, cited rising employment costs and theft losses of £40 million annually. He urged the government to focus on price fixing and distribution restrictions imposed by brands like Nike and Adidas, calling for legal changes to prevent anti-competitive practices. Ashley has a history of clashing with governments, including a 2016 parliamentary appearance over worker conditions at Sports Direct’s Shirebrook warehouse.