J Sainsbury is “miles better than three years ago”, a triumphant Justin King declared yesterday, as he drew a line under his £2.5bn sales-led recovery plan and set out his store for future growth.

The chief executive, who three years ago set out his “making Sainsbury’s great again” plan, picked up a £3.5m bonus – and is likely to scoop up a further £3.5m next year, too – as he hit sales and earnings targets.