Get you up to speed: Farage outraged by ‘alarming’ postman who ‘discarded’ Reform flyers | UK News
Royal Mail has initiated an investigation following allegations that an employee disposed of Reform UK campaign leaflets, as confirmed by party leader Nigel Farage.
Reform UK’s legal representative demanded a thorough investigation from Alistair Cochrane, chief executive of Royal Mail, over allegations of leaflet destruction impacting the electoral process.
Royal Mail is actively investigating allegations regarding a postman discarding Reform UK campaign leaflets, as demanded by the party’s legal representative in a recent complaint.
What we know so far
Royal Mail has initiated an investigation following allegations that a postman admitted to discarding Reform UK campaign leaflets. This claims stems from a post within a closed Facebook group for Royal Mail employees, stating, “My DO had reform party’s D2D today. I dumped them all in a bin. They can sack me! Idgaf!”
A letter of complaint from a Reform UK legal representative to Royal Mail’s chief executive, Alistair Cochrane, highlighted that this screenshot was circulated around Saturday. The term ‘DO’ refers to delivery office, while ‘D2D’ denotes door-to-door advertising mail.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, supported the investigation, stating, “If found to be true, it would be very disturbing and an attack on the democratic process itself.” Royal Mail emphasised its commitment to impartiality, affirming that it “does not tolerate the deliberate non-delivery of mail” and is taking the allegation seriously.
Reform UK has called for an immediate and thorough investigation, requesting a written explanation and details on any compensation measures for the disruption caused. They are also seeking assurance that disciplinary actions will be taken against any employee involved in the incident.
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Farage furious at ‘disturbing’ postman who ‘binned’ Reform flyers | News UK
Royal Mail has launched an investigation into allegations that a postman claimed to have ‘dumped’ Reform UK campaign leaflets in a bin.
A post on a Facebook group for Royal Mail staff said: ‘My DO had reform party’s D2D today. I dumped them all in a bin. They can sack me! Idgaf!’
It was shared in a private 30,000-member Facebook group called Royal Mail Chat, which is open to Royal Mail employees and partners, as well as members of the Communication Workers Union – a trade union covering postal delivery workers.
A Reform UK legal representative wrote a letter of complaint to Alistair Cochrane, chief executive of Royal Mail, that said the screenshot was circulated on or around Saturday.
‘DO’ is an acronym for delivery office, ‘D2D’ for door-to-door or unaddressed advertising mail.
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Party leader Nigel Farage said on X: ‘It is right that @RoyalMail has launched a full investigation into this allegation.
‘If found to be true, it would be very disturbing and an attack on the democratic process itself.’
Royal Mail issued a statement saying it ‘plays a crucial role in elections’, adding: ‘We take our responsibility very seriously and do not tolerate the deliberate non-delivery of mail.
‘We are investigating this allegation and remain committed to impartial delivery for all candidates.’
Reform demanded an immediate and thorough internal investigation within three days of its letter, dated Saturday, and a full written explanation.
It requested details of any compensation measures that Royal Mail might propose to offer Reform UK for the ‘loss and disruption caused by this incident’.
The party is also seeking confirmation that appropriate disciplinary action has or will be taken against any employee found to have participated in or condoned the destruction of the materials.
On the Facebook post, the legal representative said: ‘This admission provides clear prima facie evidence of the deliberate destruction or non-delivery of Reform UK’s door-to-door campaign materials that had been entrusted to Royal Mail.
‘Such conduct constitutes a wilful breach of Royal Mail’s statutory and contractual obligations to deliver mail and literature impartially and efficiently.
‘It also undermines the democratic process and Reform UK’s lawful right to engage in political campaigning.’