Poundland supplier urges Burnham to block administration, with thousands of jobs at risk in the run-up to Christmas

A Poundland supplier has written directly to Andy Burnham urging him to block the retailer's expected administration filing. Former Poundland owner Steve Smith says he has tried to contact Gordon Brothers about a potential reinvestment but has received no reply.

Private equity firm Gordon Brothers is under fire for its handling of the crisis, with critics saying it has stripped value from the discount chain.

A minister has confirmed she will meet Poundland's board as pressure mounts on the government to act.

Smith built Poundland into a retail giant before selling it, and his offer to reinvest has so far been ignored.