In response to the ongoing Horizon IT scandal, Paula Vennells, the former chief executive of the Post Office, has decided to relinquish her Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) honor with immediate effect. This action comes amidst the widespread impact of the scandal, which led to the wrongful convictions of hundreds of sub-postmasters.
The issue gained renewed public attention following the broadcast of the ITV drama “Mr Bates vs The Post Office,” which highlighted the scandal. Between 1999 and 2015, over 700 Post Office branch managers were wrongfully convicted due to errors in the Horizon software, which erroneously indicated financial discrepancies in their branches.
Vennells, in a statement, emphasized her ongoing cooperation with the inquiry and her plan to testify in the coming months. She had refrained from public comment pending the conclusion of the inquiry and her testimony. Acknowledging calls from sub-postmasters and others, Vennells confirmed she is returning her CBE immediately and expressed her regret for the turmoil caused to the affected families.
Vennells, who joined the Post Office in 2007 and became CEO in 2012, was at the helm when the company separated from Royal Mail. Under her leadership, the Post Office began addressing allegations regarding the Horizon system. A High Court case in 2017, initiated by a group of staff, eventually led to her stepping down in 2019, the year she was awarded the CBE.
Her apology in 2019, following a judicial indication that convictions should be overturned, was a response to the suffering caused by the faulty system.
The scandal has also implicated other figures and entities, including Sir Ed Davey, former postal minister, and Fujitsu, the developer of the Horizon software. The prime minister’s spokesman emphasized that Fujitsu would face consequences if found responsible. A Fujitsu spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting the inquiry and understanding the events, while apologizing for the role played in the postmasters’ suffering.
