CO-OPERATIVE GROUP members have approved a radical shake-up of the way it is run, which includes a revamped governance structure.

Around 83 per cent of votes cast at a special meeting in Manchester on Saturday were in favour of the proposals as the Co-op bids to get back on track. The plans include reform of the food-to-funerals group's board, with elected directors largely replaced by professional business people.

There will also be the creation of a smaller board of directors and a move to a one-member one-vote system. Ursula Lidbetter, chairman, described the vote as a "momentous moment" for the group.