Nisa-Today's non-executive chairman Edwin Booth has sensationally stepped down after just five months in the role.

Booth, who stood down on Thursday, said the resignation was because his chain Booths was about to reduce the amount of business it did through Nisa.

"I am taking this action in the light of my company's decision to cease purchasing chilled foods from Nisa's central distribution by the end of September 2007, thus enabling Booths to optimise its range in support of its unique retail offering," said Booth.

Raj Chatha has become acting non-executive chairman and will fill the role for the foreseeable future. Booth will continue as a director of the company.

Booth and Neil Turton, who was appointed chief executive in January, had received praise for their leadership from all corners of Nisa-Today's, including those who last year opposed the proposed private-equity funded merger with Costcutter.

"I think this is the honourable thing to do," said Proudfoot group joint-managing director Mark Proudfoot. "This represents an opportunity for Nisa to appoint a truly independent non-executive chairman from outside the group."

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