Former Postmistress Yvonne Tracey announces MP bid against Ed Davey
SIR Edward Davey is facing an election challenge from New Malden’s former Deputy Postmistress, Yvonne Tracey, amid public outrage at his handling of the Post Office Horizon scandal.
Sir Ed served as minister for postal affairs in the Coalition government, but for months refused to meet campaigning sub-postmaster Alan Bates about 'flaws of the Horizon system' arguing it would not 'serve any purpose'.
Responding to Sir Ed’s letter, Alan Bates said he found the 121-word response – sweeping away the suggestion of a meeting on the basis it would not serve “any useful purpose” – to be “offensive.”
Yvonne Tracey, who after over 30 years serving residents over the counter at New Malden Post Office now serves residents as an Independent councillor on Kingston Council, said: “Come the next election, it’s incumbent on those seeking justice for our sub-postmasters to send a strong message to Sir Ed.
“Sir Ed is now blaming others for his failure to challenge civil servants and do his job properly. His attitude to the hundreds of sub-postmasters over the years must be challenged.
“Here in his own constituency, the sub-postmaster at Tolworth Post Office Sathyan Shiju lost his home, his business and attempted suicide on more than one occasion. He tried three times to get in touch with Sir Ed and every time he was turned away, refused or ignored.
"I'd encourage and wholeheartedly support the candidacy of a former sub-postmaster coming forward to take the challenge to Sir Ed - and indeed the other former postal ministers who are still MPs, who ignored the plight of sub-postmasters for years. But understandably, many of the victims have no confidence in the system and have suffered years of hell at the hands of the Post Office.
“So in lieu of a sub-postmaster coming forward, I will take up the mantle. I’m standing as a resident - not a politician - to put honesty and integrity back into this election, and fight tirelessly for justice once and for all for my former colleagues.”
