Aberdeen Asset Management has led renewed calls for the resignation of Sports Direct chairman Keith Hellawell.

The embattled chairman, who has already seen off earlier demands for his departure, faces a fresh vote on his position tomorrow.

Paul Lee, head of corporate governance at Aberdeen, is reported saying: “Though we welcome the positive progress the company has made over the last three months we remain deeply concerned about its governance. We are therefore again opposing the election of Mr Hellawell.”

In September, 53% of votes went against the reappointment of Hellawell, though Mike Ashley, the company’s controversial chief executive and owner of a 55% stake in the business, was not permitted to vote. The result forced a second ballot, though this time Ashley will be voting.