Former Post Office finance chief Alisdair Cameron has spoken out about the company’s chief executive Nick Read, alleging that Read prefers to work with younger, deferential males and that very few senior roles are held by female colleagues. This comes as part of the public inquiry into the Horizon IT scandal. Cameron, who left the company officially in June after a year of sick leave, raised concerns about the culture at the Post Office, stating that independent-minded colleagues, especially women, have not thrived and some have been paid off and left the business.
Jane Davies, a former chief people officer at the Post Office, previously accused Read of bullying, but an independent investigation cleared him of misconduct. The company has expressed its full support for Read, who plans to step down next year.
Cameron also raised issues about governance problems, a lack of a cost-cutting program, and difficulties with replacing the Horizon IT system, all of which he felt were not being adequately addressed. This led to his sick leave and eventual departure from the company, with a financial settlement of £500,000 being reached.
The postal minister, Gareth Thomas, recently admitted that Post Office operators affected by the Horizon scandal may not all receive payouts by the March 2025 deadline set by campaigner Sir Alan Bates. The revelations from Cameron and others further shine a light on the internal workings and challenges facing the Post Office under Read’s leadership.
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