He insisted that the plans and timetable set out in May have not altered, despite continuing criticism of the retailer since its acquisition of Safeway and an impending strike vote on Thursday.
Sir Ken has denied any discussions with the non-executive board of Wm Morrison over the possibility of accelerating the succession process, which is expected to begin next month with the appointment of an executive search headhunting agency.
Ahead of the union ballot on the possible closure of distribution centres, the Wm Morrison chairman claimed the retailer has no choice but to rationalise its supply chain and said that overcapacity meant a reduction in people and facilities was unavoidable.
He also maintained that the retailer has contingency plans in place should industrial action hit the supermarket's activities, with third-party logistics companies brought in to ensure that shelves remain stocked. Unions have previously claimed that shelves at Morrisons stores would be empty within days.
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