Marks & Spencers interim chairman Paul Myners may find himself unable to secure his position on a permanent basis, it has been reported.

Myners may find himself being squeezed out of the race to appoint a permanent chairman for the retailer, media reports suggest.

Having joined the M&S board in 2002, Myners was appointed interim chairman after helping to oust farmer chairman Luc Vandevelde and chief executive Roger Holmes.

He agreed to stay on in the position until July’s annual meeting, but in recent months has indicated he would be prepared to take on the role on a permanent basis.

However, the company is reported to be keen to secure the services of an external candidate, which could leave Myners out of the frame.

Kevin Lomax, the senior independent M&S director who is overseeing the search, is reported to be concerned the current interim chairman is too close to chief executive Stuart Rose.

However, some shareholders are said to be unhappy with Lomax’s performance, with one saying: “He’s had 10 months to find a replacement, how long does it take?”

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