Primark boss admits ‘error of judgment’ and resigns after woman’s allegation

Paul Marchant joined Primark as chief operating officer in 2009 and became chief executive later that year. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA

The boss of Primark has admitted an “error of judgment” and resigned following an allegation made by a woman about his behaviour towards her in a social situation, the retailer’s owner has said.

Associated British Foods (ABF) said Paul Marchant accepted that his actions fell below the standards it expected and had resigned with immediate effect, exiting on Sunday.