Marks & Spencer boss Sir Stuart Rose is set for another showdown with M&S investors over his controversial chairmanship.

According to newspaper reports, a number of influential shareholders are drawing up a resolution to be filed ahead of M&S’ annual meeting to call on Rose to split his dual role of chief executive and chairman.

The move comes in response to the continued poor performance of the retailer. Some investors believe that Rose has too much power in the boardroom since his elevation in July.

Full-year profits at M&S are expected to tumble 40 per cent to£605m, with analysts anticipating that it will cut its final dividend.