UK

Former Post Office boss to hand back her CBE ‘with immediate effect’

Former Post Office boss Paula Vennells will hand back her CBE with immediate effect amid the fallout of the Horizon IT scandal.

The scandal led to the convictions of hundreds of sub-postmasters.

Ms Vennells said in a statement: “I continue to support and focus on co-operating with the inquiry and expect to be giving evidence in the coming months.

Politics latest: David Cameron facing grilling

“I have so far maintained my silence as I considered it inappropriate to comment publicly while the inquiry remains ongoing and before I have provided my oral evidence.

“I am, however, aware of the calls from sub-postmasters and others to return my CBE.

“I have listened and I confirm that I return my CBE with immediate effect.

More from UK

“I am truly sorry for the devastation caused to the sub-postmasters and their families, whose lives were torn apart by being wrongly accused and wrongly prosecuted as a result of the Horizon system.

“I now intend to continue to focus on assisting the inquiry and will not make any further public comment until it has concluded.”

Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Articles You May Like

SolarEdge surges despite posting steep fourth-quarter loss
GAF Energy’s nailable solar shingle is now 23% more powerful
Zelenskyy is fighting a war on two fronts – against Russian forces on the ground and American assaults over airwaves
‘You can’t take our country’: Canadian PM hits out at Trump after ice hockey win
Killing Me Softly singer Roberta Flack dies