Business·27.04.2026Resumen IA Nationwide member activist deserves fair chance to stand for board
James Sherwin-Smith has secured the 250 nominations needed to stand as a candidate for Nationwide's board at July's annual meeting, potentially becoming the first customer voted onto the board in nearly 25 years. His candidacy highlights a democracy deficit at the mutual, which faced criticism for not polling members on the £2.9bn Virgin Money acquisition in 2024 and for only offering advisory votes on executive pay up to £7m. The article argues Nationwide should suspend its 'quick vote' system that favours board recommendations and allow Sherwin-Smith a fair run, despite likely prevailing either way.