M&S customers prepared to give Rose a chance

Shoppers want Stuart Rose to be given a chance to revive Marks & Spencer.

Almost two thirds of people (62 per cent) polled by ICM agreed: 'The new chief executive should be given a chance to make changes and turn (M&S) around.'

Only 16 per cent backed a takeover by Philip Green and 22 per cent - likely not to be M&S shoppers - had no opinion.

The proportion of support for Rose increased to 71 per cent among 35- to 54-year-old women, traditionally M&S's core customers.

ICM director Steve Parker said that the level of support might be a reflection of the British public's inclination to 'give the guy a go'.

However, he warned: 'How long people will be tolerant is another matter.'

- ICM Poll results: page 12.