M&S's Rose plays down speculation on future

LONDON (Reuters) - Stuart Rose, executive chairman of Marks & Spencer (MKS.L), said questions regarding his future at the clothing, food and homewares retailer were "not worth speculating on." Speaking to reporters after M&S published a second-quarter trading statement he was asked if he could survive in his post if the group had a poor Christmas.

He said he was a "servant of the board."

"The board runs me. If they decide they don't want me I won't be here. If they decide they do want me I will be here."

But he added that in the current economic climate, "steady hands on the tiller" were required.

(Reporting by James Davey; Editing by Greg Mahlich)