A TOP Westfield executive is among more than 100 business leaders who have signed an open letter in a national newspaper warning any "change in course" after the General Election would threaten jobs and put the recovery at risk.

Michael Gutman is president and chief operating officer of the Australian developer which is building the £260 million Broadway shopping centre in Bradford city centre.

He has joined the likes of former Marks & Spencer boss Lord Rose, Britvic chairman Gerald Corbett, Sir Charles Dunstone, chairman of Dixons Carphone, BP boss Bob Dudley and former Labour supporter and Dragon's Den star Duncan Bannatyne, founder of the Bannatyne Group.

The bosses say they believe the Conservative-led Government has been good for business and has pursued policies which have supported investment and job creation.

The letter states:: "David Cameron and George Osborne's flagship policy of progressively lowering Corporation Tax to 20 per cent has been very important in showing the UK is open for business. It has been a key part of their economic plan.

"The result is that Britain grew faster than any other major economy last year and businesses like ours have created over 1.85 million new jobs.

"We believe a change in course will threaten jobs and deter investment. This would send a negative message about Britain and put the recovery at risk. In a personal capacity we therefore sign this letter."

Mr Gutman has been president and chief operating officer of Westfield Corporation since June 2014 after previously serving as managing director, UK/Europe and New Markets. He joined Westfield as an executive in 1993.