The outgoing chairman of Greater Manchester-headquartered car dealership giant Lookers is to stand for re-election as the search for his successor continues.

Phil White has been asked by the board of the listed group to remain in post "to ensure an orderly handover" which it "believes is in the best interests of all stakeholders".

He had been due to not stand for re-election at the group's next AGM but a replacement has not yet been identified.

A statement said: "The board would like to thank Phil for his resilient and clear leadership, particularly over the last 12 months as the group has resolved a number of legacy issues."

Mr White has been chairman of Lookers since 2006 having previously been National Express' chief executive.

He is currently also chairman of Shearings Group and a member of the board at VP plc.

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Lookers has also confirmed that interim chief financial officer Anna Bielby, who joined in January, is to leave the group at the end of July.

The group added: "As the group looks forward with renewed confidence, it will continue to update on progress with both the chairman and chief financial officer positions.

Lookers' AGM is due to be held on June 30.

The updates come after sales soared at the car dealership giant after non-essential retail was allowed to reopen in April.

In May, the firm announced "strong" trading since the lockdown restrictions eased on April 12, with the firm benefitting from "strong consumer demand" combined with "significant market out-performance".