In a statement, Clarks said that the judge in an employment tribunal had rejected claims made by Shearwood, who claimed he had been dismissed by the retailer for trying to blow the whistle on questionable accounting practices and corporate governance.

“Clarks welcomes the tribunal’s ruling and the rejection of Mr Shearwood’s claims,” the retailer said. “It has always been Clarks belief the allegations raised by Mr Shearwood were unfounded. With the tribunal ruling as it has, we this matter will now remain closed”.