Former Tesco chairman responds to accusations of inappropriate behavior

John Allan said the incident sped up his retirement plans by about six months. Photo: JEFF OVERSE/BBC/AFP via Getty Images.

The former Tesco chairman has hired a law firm to defend himself against allegations of inappropriate behavior towards women.

John Allan said he has briefed media lawyers at Schillings and is considering legal action against The Guardian, which first published four anonymous allegations of inappropriate and unprofessional behavior towards women.

According to The Guardian, Mr. Allan touched the buttocks of two female colleagues on various occasions and made inappropriate comments to two other women.

Mr. Allan vehemently denied all allegations, except for one inappropriate remark. , resigned as chairman of Tesco last week after the supermarket said recent allegations of his behavior could be a «distraction».

Shillings reportedly asked The Guardian for details of alleged touching incidents that she has not provided yet.

Speaking to the Times, Mr. Allan said: «I am as determined as possible to prove my innocence.

«But I am aware that if you do not know what exactly you are accused of, it is very hard to disprove.»

The Guardian said: «We support our journalism and the people who continue to tell their stories despite the significant risks involved.»

Mr Allan, former president of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said he was «overwhelmed» when he was first approached by The Guardian about the story that followed the coverage of individual alleged sexual assaults by the scandal-hit lobby group. /p>

He said, «I didn't feel like, 'Oh my god, I was at fault here and got caught.'"

The 74-year-old plans to campaign about « catastrophic» impact of unfounded accusations on the careers of people much younger than him.

He said, “I talked to other guys. I am 74 years old. If this happened to them at 54, it would be an absolute disaster.

"They would probably be unemployed. . . If I want to scare my male friends, I say, “You can be next,” and they get a little sick.”

Mr. Allan also said he wants to help create a process for individuals facing potentially false accusations to ensure that they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

He said: “The real problem is, is it possible to develop a mechanism that would not be the future?& #34;

«Unlike what we seem to have at the moment, where we are guilty until proven innocent — and very, very public discussion of accusations that in many cases will turn out to be completely unfounded .

Mr. Allan said the incident has sped up his retirement plans by about six months.

Builder Barratt Developments announced this week that he will be leaving his post. the role of chairman shortly after the «subversive» statements.