Earlier in the year Portas published a review of how the UK’s town centres could be revived in the face of the out-of-town and online shopping challenge [see earlier story].

The government subsequently agreed to implement practically all of her recommendations including a stronger town centre first policy. But at the conference she reiterated that the planning system was inadequate in relation to out-of-town retail developments saying it is a “massive issue” that “needs addressing”. She described the growth of out-of-town supermarkets as "the single biggest" factor in the decline of high streets because it removed groceries and therefore needs-based trips from town centres.

She said, "Part of me sometimes thinks, is this a big PR thing by the government or is this truly believing in town centre first? I really have to question this”.

Portas also said she was "worried" by last week's reshuffle and departure of former housing minister Grant Shapps, who has now become Tory party co-chairman, because he had been liaising with her on the implementation of the Portas Review. She is waiting to meet his replacement, Mark Prisk.