Tom Gordon MP Demands Action on Post Office Governance and Praises Local Postmaster

Yesterday in Parliament, Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, praised the vital role of postmasters across the country – specifically highlighting the invaluable service of Andrew Hart, a local postmaster in his constituency – and raised serious concerns about the governance and continuity of Post Office services.

In his question to the Minister, Tom began by paying tribute to the dedication of postmasters, like Andrew Hart, recognising the essential role they play in communities across the UK, including in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

He then turned to the situation in Knaresborough, where residents were left without access to Post Office services for more than three months. The town’s Post Office closed suddenly in early June 2024 due to financial difficulties faced by the operating company. It finally reopened on 20th September 2024 at a new location within a local pharmacy – causing significant disruption and inconvenience for the community in the meantime.

Recognising the impact of this closure, Tom communicated extensively with Post Office officials at the time. He pressed them on key issues including service continuity, minimum service standards, and the process behind awarding contracts. As he voiced in Parliament, Tom found officials to be evasive in their responses, reinforcing the need for a thorough review of Post Office governance.

Tom welcomed the Minister’s assurance yesterday that these governance issues will be addressed through the ongoing Post Office Horizon Inquiry, but urged the government to ensure these concerns are fed into the Green Paper consultation, which aims to shape a modern, trusted, and financially resilient Post Office network that protects essential services. 

He stressed that proper reform must include a serious look at governance structures if the Post Office is to be strengthened for the future. To that end, he requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss the specific challenges experienced in Knaresborough and how similar situations can be avoided elsewhere, a request the Minister agreed to. 

Commenting, Tom said: 

‘Postmasters like Andrew Hart are the backbone of our communities. Their dedication and service often go unrecognised, yet they are absolutely vital to people’s everyday lives. They deserve proper support, not silence when things go wrong.

‘The sudden closure of the Knaresborough Post Office left residents without a critical local service for months, and the lack of clear answers or accountability from Post Office officials was frankly unacceptable.

‘I welcome the Minister’s assurance that governance issues will be addressed through the ongoing Post Office Inquiry, and I hope these concerns are also reflected in the Green Paper consultation. I appreciate the Minister agreeing to meet with me to explore these issues further.’

Upon seeing the Green Paper and hearing Tom's question in Parliament, Andrew Hart commented: 

‘Until Nigel Railton and Gareth Thomas MP talk to the "new, determined postmasters", rather than the selected few they are going to remain on an upward struggle.  I welcome the Minister's invitation to meet with Tom to discuss the issues we face locally".

ENDS