Former Asda chairman Archie Norman has severed his final link with the company after resigning as a consultant, following his elevation to the post of shadow minister for transport, environment and the regions. The promotion to William Hague's inner circle posed a huge conflict of interest to Norman's business interests ­ he also stepped down as non executive director of Railtrack. A spokesman for Asda said Norman "was no longer on the pay roll". Norman is still heavily involved in Knutsford, the takeover company targeting retailers. Its shares plunged on the news of Norman's Tory role with many in the City worried about the time and attention he will have to devote to the company. {{NEWS }}

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