THE crisis-hit Co-operative group will face the final hurdle in its plans for a controversial shake-up of the way it is run at a special general meeting in Manchester today.

The group will decide on proposals drawn up in the wake of a disastrous period last year in which it racked up record losses of £2.5 billion.

These include reform of the board structure, with elected directors largely replaced by appointed business people.

However the proposed changes face significant opposition from some in the co-operative movement.

More than 500 people have signed a petition describing the changes as “directly opposed to the co-operative principles of democratic member control.”

The proposals, which require the support of a two-thirds majority of members, were produced following a review by former City minister Lord Myners though they water down his recommendation to purge the board entirely of elected directors.

Co-op chairwoman Ursula Lidbetter has claimed the reforms represent “the final crucial step in delivering necessary change to restore the group and return it to health.”