Post office inquiry live updates: Post Office boss Nick Read gives evidence

Peter Ruddick
Business reporter

Has the Post Office changed enough in the last five years?

Many topics were discussed again today. Many questions. Countless documents. But a key issue.

We started with the new deputy postmaster contract. It still includes reference to investigations and interviews under caution.

Is it really appropriate? Nick Read admitted that he had not, but assured that his investigators’ research had changed, even if the contract had not been properly updated.

Is it correct that there are people working for the Post Office at the height of the scandal? Read said they had “struggled” to “move people forward”, despite apparent encouragement from the government.

Finally, repair and compensation. Was the Post Office dragging its heels because of “historical, dyed-in-the-wool prejudice”? Again, Read said no. Faced with emotional examples, he said he regretted how long it all took.

But a document from the creation of the first scheme seemed to suggest that obstacles were put in place.

There is no word yet on Read’s own pay. Tomorrow may not be any easier for the outgoing boss.