The Horizon Scandal: Nick Read’s Controversial Tenure at the Post Office

The Horizon scandal, one of the most significant miscarriages of justice in British history, has cast a long shadow over the Post Office and its leadership. At the center of this storm is Nick Read, the outgoing chief executive of the Post Office, who has recently come under scrutiny for his handling of the situation, particularly regarding his attempts to secure a pay rise while victims of the scandal awaited compensation.

Acknowledging the Backlash

During his third and final day of testimony at the inquiry into the Horizon scandal, Read candidly admitted that his pursuit of a pay increase amid ongoing victim compensation issues "looks very poor." This acknowledgment came as he faced tough questions from Sam Stein KC, the inquiry’s counsel. Read expressed regret over the public outcry surrounding his remuneration, stating, "I very much regret the furore that has exploded and as a consequence of that has been a distraction for everybody."

Despite the backlash, Read maintained that his attempts to secure a pay rise did not interfere with his ability to fulfill his responsibilities as CEO. "I don’t believe that to be the case," he asserted, emphasizing his awareness of the controversy surrounding his salary.

The Role of Leadership

Henry Staunton, the former chair of the Post Office, previously testified that he had approached the government twice to double Read’s pay, suggesting that Read had even threatened to resign over the matter. Staunton remarked that the issue consumed a disproportionate amount of time and energy, indicating a troubling focus on executive compensation while the victims of the Horizon scandal continued to suffer.

This focus on leadership remuneration raises critical questions about the priorities of the Post Office’s management during a time of crisis. The inquiry has revealed a troubling disconnect between the executive team and the plight of the sub-postmasters who were wrongfully accused of theft due to the faulty Horizon IT system.

Controversial Communications

Further complicating matters, Read faced inquiries regarding a letter he sent to the Lord Chancellor on January 9, following the airing of an ITV drama about the scandal. The letter included a note from the Post Office’s legal counsel, which suggested that "the vast majority of people who have not yet appealed were, in fact, guilty as charged and were safely convicted." Read denied that the letter was intended to dissuade the government from introducing a mass exoneration of sub-postmasters, but he conceded that the publication of the letter and its accompanying note "looks pretty appalling."

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges the Post Office faces in rebuilding trust with the public and the victims of the Horizon scandal. The perception that the organization is more concerned with protecting its image than addressing the injustices faced by sub-postmasters is a significant hurdle for Read and his team.

The Financial Fallout

One of the most pressing questions raised during the inquiry is the fate of the money that sub-postmasters were forced to pay to cover non-existent shortfalls in their accounts. Read revealed that external forensic accountants had been investigating the financial discrepancies, estimating that approximately £36 million went missing between 1999 and 2015—the years during which hundreds of sub-postmasters were wrongfully accused of theft.

Read’s acknowledgment of this staggering figure underscores the financial devastation wrought by the Horizon scandal, not only on the victims but also on the Post Office itself. The inquiry’s findings will likely have far-reaching implications for the organization as it seeks to navigate the aftermath of this crisis.

Looking Ahead

Nick Read joined the Post Office in 2019 and is set to step down from his role in March 2025. As the final phase of the inquiry approaches its conclusion in mid-November, the pressure is mounting for the Post Office to take meaningful action to rectify the wrongs of the past. The inquiry’s findings will be pivotal in shaping the future of the organization and determining how it can begin to restore trust with the public and the victims of the Horizon scandal.

In conclusion, the Horizon scandal has revealed deep-seated issues within the Post Office, particularly concerning leadership accountability and the treatment of its employees. As Nick Read’s tenure comes to an end, the hope is that the lessons learned from this inquiry will lead to a more transparent and just organization moving forward. The victims of the scandal deserve nothing less.