The chairman of fashion retailer Ted Baker - which has an outlet on Gloucester Quays - has died suddenly.

John Barton, who was 77 in August, was at one time the chairman of Next for more than a decade.

He was brought in to assist Ted Baker last year as the retailer was hit by fallout from Covid lockdowns and the forced departure of its founder Ray Kelvin, who resigned after complaints of inappropriate conduct from staff, allegations he denied.

Ted Baker's chief executive Rachel Osborne said Barton was 'a source of great wisdom'.

Scots-born John Barton spent nine years as the chairman of easyJet, leaving only last week after falling out with the airline's founder.

Barton, who was educated at Gordonstoun School, also served as chairman for Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group and Cable & Wireless and sat on the boards of WH Smith and the retail landlord Hammerson.