The director of public prosecutions said the Government had not provided the evidence needed to proceed with the case.

Peter Hargreaves had previously retired in 2025, but rejoined the firm’s board earlier this year after its £5.4 billion takeover.

Labour deputy leadership hopeful Bridget Phillipson has warned that voting for her rival Lucy Powell risks “energising our opponents”, as ballots opened on Wednesday for members and affiliates.

Hackers were said to be using pictures and the names of about 8,000 children from the Kido nursery chain, to demand ransom money.