MP resists sacking by Hoskins board

DAVID SHAW, non-executive director of Hoskins Brewery and MP for Dover, is refusing to accept his dismissal by the board.

He believes the directors are acting beyond their power in sacking him. Yesterday's stand is the culmination of a weekend of clashes.

Hoskins first said Mr Shaw had resigned on Friday. Over the weekend Mr Shaw said he was not leaving. Yesterday Hoskins said: 'Mr Shaw was removed as a director under powers given to the directors under the articles of association.'

Relations between Mr Shaw and the board of Hoskins have soured over the approval of a deal that proposes that control is taken over by Adam Page, the leisure entrepreneur.

The plan envisages that Hoskins' pubs will merge with three nightclubs owned by Mr Page. Mr Shaw says insufficient financial information has been published.

Hoskins' shareholders have been offered 55p a share in cash. Mr Shaw is happy to recommend the cash terms, but believes he also has a duty to the underwriters who may be left with shares in Mr Page's private company, Swithland Estates.

Information about Swithland, Mr Shaw maintains, is insufficient. He has written to the Stock Exchange, the regulator in affairs of this kind, but has yet to receive a reply.

Mr Page said Mr Shaw was dismissed because he was blocking the deal. He added: 'He clearly does not understand the business.' The Hoskins board was also unhappy that Mr Shaw had approached the Stock Exchange without its knowledge.