The government has removed the Post Office’s chairperson due to the state-owned company’s struggles with the Horizon IT scandal.
Kemi Badenoch, the business secretary, informed Henry Staunton over the weekend that he will be replaced.
A representative from the Department of Business and Trade informed Sky News that the Secretary of State had a conversation with Henry Staunton, the chair of Post Office Limited (POL).
“After the call, it has been confirmed that he has been removed from his position as POL chair. An interim replacement will be chosen soon.”
It is crucial that the Post Office continues to carry out vital tasks in order to implement the operational and cultural changes necessary for the business.
The Department for Business and Trade announced that they have mutually agreed to “part ways” with consent.
In December 2022, Staunton assumed the position of chair after holding various boardroom roles in the FTSE for an extended period of time.
The choice to replace him has been made while Rishi Sunak works towards implementing new legislation to quickly absolve and provide restitution for those impacted by the Horizon scandal.
Sunak addressed MPs earlier this month, stating that this is one of the most unjust incidents in our country’s past. He expressed the need for justice and compensation for the individuals who dedicated themselves to serving their communities and had their lives and reputations unjustly ruined.
UK Government Investments (UKGI) oversees the government’s ownership of Post Office Limited, as well as the public’s interests in Channel 4 and the Met Office.
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The Postal Service is dependent on financial support from the government and has faced challenges due to increased competition in recent times.
Staunton formerly served as the chairman of Phoenix Group, an insurance company, and WH Smith, a popular retailer on the high street.
During his time in leadership positions, he worked at ITV and also served on the boards of BSkyB and Ladbrokes.
The Post Office has been reached out to for a statement.
Source: theguardian.com
