Dunelm under fire after boss co-signed letter in support of Boris Johnson

Homeware retailer Dunelm has come under fire after its founder co-signed a letter urging Conservative MPs not to challenge Boris Johnson’s leadership. Sir William Adderley joined other Tory donors in signing the letter telling MPs to let the Prime Minister “get on with it”.

The letter, dated Monday, June 6, the day of Johnson’s vote of confidence, praises the PM and his Conservative government for the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and the response to the war in Ukraine and other national issues. But it has resulted in a backlash from the public, some of whom are calling on customers to boycott Dunelm stores

Some on social media say they refuse to shop at the Syston-based retailer – which began life as a stall on Leicester Market – upon learning of Mr Adderley’s support. The other signees include Chairman of Arbuthnot Banking Group Plc Henry Angest, billionaire property developer Tony Gallagher and theatre producer John Gore.

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The letter reads: “Yes, there are many challenges ahead, But wasting months of precious time on a leadership challenge would be foolish – and in our view, it would not be forgiven by the British people. This country needs leadership and answers now – and our Prime minister is the best person to do that job.

“We need to let him get on with it. Business needs certainty and stability, so we need Boris Johnson to remain as our Prime Minster, and he has our unwavering support”.

The vote on Monday saw 41 per cent of Tory MPs registering votes of no confidence in the PM. The motion came after the disclosure of numerous lockdown parties which have resulted in a backlash against Mr Johnson.

Despite the large rebellion, the PM retained his position with 59 per cent of the votes in his favour, but the party remains divided with MPs, including Leicestershire’s Andrew Bridgen, calling on Mr Johnson to step down.

Mr Bridgen tweeted the following day saying: “Last night’s vote is worse in percentage terms than that suffered by Mrs May and on a par with Heseltine’s challenge against Mrs Thatcher. The Prime Minister should now leave with honour and residual affection for what he has achieved.”

Meanwhile, the backlash against the letter signees continues on social media. One person wrote: “Dunelm deserves to lose money for trying to ensure we are still saddled with Johnson!”

Another said: Boycott …. Dunelm unless you’re happy to spend your hard earned cash indirectly donating to the Tory criminal party.” However, others, in support of Boris Johnson have shared their support of Dunelm and some pointed out the thousands of jobs that may be affected as a result of a mass boycott.

LeicestershireLive has contacted Dunelm for comment.