Next chief executive Simon Wolfson has been put on a list of proposed peers put forward by the Conservative party, renewing speculation that he may pursue a career in politics.

Simon Wolfson 16x9

The Next boss has worked closely with George Osborne on Tory economic policy and was a key figure behind a letter from business leaders apposing Labour’s proposed increase to National Insurance contributions.

One analyst told the Telegraph: “Next shares have had a good run and so has Simon. It’s been rumoured that he’d go before, but perhaps this is it. He’d leave big shoes to fill.”

Wolfson, whose father is a life peer, has donated ÂŁ238,250 to the Conservatives since January 2006.

After the election the chosen Prime Minister may choose to reject peers proposed by other parties but there is a convention that means this does not happen.

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