The government-owned company Post Office has been under scrutiny for the past few years due to the faulty Horizon accounting software that was in operation while Paula Vennells was at the helm. Vennells, who served as chief executive for seven years and was with the company for a total of 12 years, has been under consideration for removal by the government.
This development was revealed during the ongoing inquiry into the Horizon scandal, which has gained renewed attention following the airing of the ITV drama Mr Bates v the Post Office. The faulty software, manufactured by Fujitsu, incorrectly generated financial shortfalls and resulted in the prosecution of over 700 sub-postmasters for theft and false accounting across the UK.
According to former Post Office chair Alice Perkins, who provided evidence for the inquiry, there were concerns about Vennells’ suitability for the role in a government business department report from 2014. The report stated that her job was “under review” and there was a consensus among officials that she was no longer the right person to lead the Post Office. The concerns revolved around the company’s financial performance as well as Vennells’ ability to work with those who challenged her and her lack of understanding of political considerations.
During her testimony at the inquiry, Vennells admitted that she was “too trusting” of those around her and did not make the necessary inquiries that could have uncovered the miscarriage of justice. This statement was met with criticism and protest from sub-postmasters, who were present at the inquiry.
Despite the 2014 report and growing doubts about Vennells’ leadership, prosecutions of sub-postmasters continued for another year. It wasn’t until 2019, four years after the report was written, that the Post Office issued an apology for their wrongdoing.
In response to the inquiry’s counsel’s suggestion that Vennells wanted people who would agree with her, Perkins denied the claim but did admit to having doubts about Vennells’ ability to lead the company and her grip on the Horizon software. In 2014, Perkins set a personal objective for Vennells to prioritize addressing issues with Horizon.
The ongoing inquiry aims to uncover the truth about the Horizon scandal and provide justice for the sub-postmasters who were wrongfully prosecuted. The revelation of the government’s consideration to remove Vennells as CEO adds another layer to the investigation and raises questions about her leadership during a tumultuous time for the Post Office.
