Everyone was expecting Sir Ken Morrison to give Dalton Philips a tongue-lashing at the Morrisons agm in June, but the former Morrisons boss and life president’s blistering attack took everyone aback.

“When I left work and started a hobby, I chose to raise cattle,” he began, innocently enough. “I have 1,000 bullocks and, having listened to your presentation, Dalton, you’ve a lot more bullshit than me. I warned in 2009 and 2012 that changes being implemented by directors would seriously damage the business and I’m extremely sorry to admit that my comments, whilst unwelcome, were absolutely right. And today we have seen the consequences.”