Sports Direct shareholders urged to vote against Mike Ashley

Sports Direct's shareholders are being urged to block the re-election of Mike Ashley to the board as the tycoon comes under increasing pressure over the retailer's working practices.

Shareholder lobby group Pensions Investment and Research Consultants (Pirc) wants investors to oppose the billionaire's re-appointment as executive deputy chairman, following demands from MPs that he be "held accountable" for the "appalling" practices at its shops and warehouses.