‘It’s not inevitable’: Asda chair on how his turnaround will hold off Aldi threat

Allan Leighton on government help, talk of a reheated merger with Sainsbury’s – and the vital role of bananas

“It’s not bloody inevitable,” that Asda will be overtaken by Aldi as the UK’s third biggest supermarket, Allan Leighton roars as the veteran retail boss insists his turnaround of the ailing business is on track.

Leighton, the chair of Asda, who returned to lead the business in November 2024 after a 20-year absence, is attempting to defy the critics and revive Asda for the second time in his career.