Overview

Last week, the Labour Party, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats rolled out their manifestos ahead of the UK General Election on 6 May 2010.

Each manifesto alludes to the Grocery Supply Code of Practice, which came into force on 4 February this year through The Groceries Market Investigation Order 2009 (GSCOP).

Specifically, both the Labour and Conservative manifestos propose the creation of a Supermarket Ombudsman. Its mission will be to protect farmers and food suppliers from unfair and uncompetitive practices by major retailers and to ensure that the GSCOP is applied fairly.

Somewhat more nuanced, the Liberal Democrat manifesto states that it will create a so-called 'legal' Supermarket Code and a powerful independent regulator of Britain's food market.

So far, so good, as the parties' proposals all reflect a desire for an independent enforcement body. But, as commentators have already pointed out in relation to the three manifestos, the detail on the nature and powers of this regulator is wanting. These proposals are also arguably premature and flying in the face of an ongoing democratic process.

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