Lead campaigner and former subpostmaster Alan Bates has revealed shocking details about his dismissal by the Post Office during the Horizon IT Inquiry. The inquiry heard that Mr. Bates was sacked because the organization deemed him “unmanageable” and claimed he “clearly struggled with accounting.”
The presentation shown during the probe, prepared by former Post Office manager Dave Smith, stated that Mr. Bates had discrepancies in his accounting but was dismissed because he became unmanageable. Despite receiving support, he allegedly did not follow instructions, leading to his termination.
Mr. Bates, who had his contract terminated in 2003 after refusing to accept liability for shortfalls in the accounts at his branch in Llandudno, North Wales, spoke out against the Post Office’s actions. He accused the organization of attempting to discredit and silence him over the course of his 23-year campaign for justice.
During his testimony, Mr. Bates denied struggling with accounting and receiving copious support as claimed by the Post Office. He described the relationship between subpostmasters and the Post Office as “very one-sided” and highlighted the lack of redress for grievances.
The inquiry also heard that Mr. Bates first raised issues with the Horizon system in 2000 and faced unhelpful responses from the Post Office helpline. Despite the challenges, he remained dedicated to his campaign for justice for wrongly treated subpostmasters.
As the inquiry continues, former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells is set to face questions about her role in the scandal. Hundreds of subpostmasters are still awaiting compensation despite the Government’s announcement of payouts for those who had convictions quashed.
Mr. Bates’s testimony sheds light on the injustices faced by subpostmasters due to the faulty Horizon system, highlighting the need for accountability and justice in the ongoing investigation.