Post Office chief’s Kemi claims ‘are a total mess’

THE former Post Office chairman’s allegations against Kemi Badenoch were branded a ‘total mess’ by Government sources last night.

Henry Staunton sparked a row with the Business Secretary by claiming she told him he was being sacked because ‘someone’s got to take the rap’ for the Horizon IT scandal.

But Mrs Badenoch then said in the Commons on Monday that he had been facing bullying allegations.

Mr Staunton said he was unaware of the claims, but a civil service note of a call between the pair last month states: ‘The complaints against HS are so serious that the Government need to intervene.’

This suggests that Mr Staunton was aware of serious allegations against him before

‘Wild, baseless accusations’

Monday and that he knew they were the reason for his dismissal. The call record also notes Mrs Badenoch’s apology for the timing of his sacking.

Mr Staunton had claimed Mrs Badenoch had not apologised.

A government source said Mr Staunton’s ‘constantly shifting claims should call into question everything he’s said to date’.

Mrs Badenoch’s Commons speech accused Mr Staunton of spreading ‘lies’, ‘misinformation’ and ‘wild baseless’ accusations.

On Monday night, a spokesman for Mr Staunton said the speech was ‘the first time the existence of such [bullying] allegations’ had been mentioned and that he was ‘not aware of any aspect’ of his conduct ‘which could give rise to such allegations’.

He has been asked to appear before the Commons business and trade committee next week, paving the way for a fresh row.