Marks and Spencer said group like-for-like sales fell 2.3% over the Christmas period and that clothing director David Norgrove was to step down.

For the seven weeks to January 10 were like-for-like food sales edged up 0.5%. M&S said the performance was “adequate”.

It said 22 Simply Food stores were opened in the period and that the new format was “attracting new customers”.

Clothing sales fell 3% due to a weak performance in certain key womenswear areas, in particular knitwear, coats and suits, the company said.

M&S said Norgrove would leave in due course and that it was searching for a new head of clothing.