Kemi Badenoch clashes with former Post Office chair in spat

24 Feb, 2024

Kemi Badenoch clashes with former Post Office chair in spat

Kemi Badenoch and the former Post Office chair engaged in a heated exchange, with Badenoch accusing Henry Staunton of leveling unsubstantiated claims regarding the government's management of the Horizon scandal. Badenoch's rebuke in parliament was prompted by Staunton's allegations that he was advised to delay compensating sub-postmasters wrongly convicted due to the faulty IT system.

In an extraordinary ministerial critique of a prominent business figure, Badenoch branded Staunton's remarks a "disgrace" and a "blatant attempt at revenge" lacking evidence. Staunton retaliated, citing internal emails suggesting a delay in compensation, emphasizing the need for swift exoneration and fair compensation for victims, which only materialized after public exposure via media dramatization.

Staunton's abrupt dismissal last month, allegedly following a conversation with Badenoch implicating him in the scandal, intensified the confrontation. Badenoch refuted claims of misconduct, citing concerns about Staunton's behavior and allegations of attempted circumvention of the appointment process and bullying.

The affair has sparked calls for a Cabinet Office inquiry and transparency regarding communications between Badenoch's department and the Post Office. While Downing Street denies Badenoch's alleged directive to delay compensation, it emphasizes the government's commitment to expedite justice for victims. However, trust in the government has been further eroded by these revelations, echoing past scandals like Bloody Sunday and the Windrush affair.