Dec 20, 2007
Award to Royal Mail Chairman a “Kick in the Teeth” to Reading
Liberal Democrats campaigning to save five Post Offices under threat in Reading have reacted with anger at the announcement today that the Government is to extend the term of Allan Leighton as Chairman of Royal Mail with the potential to receive up to £180,000 in ‘performance-related bonuses’.
Commenting on the news, Cllr Gareth Epps, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary campaigner for Reading East, said:- “This is another kick in the teeth for the thousands of people who have already signed petitions to save the five Post Offices in Reading which are under threat, as well as for Post Office and sorting office staff whose jobs may be lost.”
Patrick Murray, Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Reading West, added:
“This just goes to show the Labour Government’s attitude: take local services away on the one hand and give large bonuses to the people presiding over Royal Mail’s problems on the other.”
Editor’s Notes:-
1) A press release from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform is reproduced below.
John Hutton, the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform today announced that Allan Leighton‘s term as Chairman of Royal Mail, would be extended.
“Allan Leighton‘s reappointment will help provide the continuity needed for Royal Mail to make progress on its modernisation plans and to contribute to the review of developments in the postal services market announced today, and I am grateful to him for agreeing to extend his term of appointment.”
2) Allan Leighton is currently, Deputy Chair of George Weston Ltd, Loblaw Companies Ltd and Selfridges & Co Ltd. He is also a Non-Executive Director of BskyB.
3) His term will be extended to March 2009, and his remuneration will remain unchanged at £20k basic salary with the potential to receive up to a further £180k in performance related bonuses. Other terms and conditions will also remain the same.
4) Allan Leighton was originally appointed in March 2002 after an open competition. His current term was due to end in March 2008.
5) This an OCPA regulated post and this extension has been made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public appointments. OCPA has agreed to the extension of Allan Leighton‘s term. Mr Leighton has no recent recorded political activity. He has held no other Ministerial appointments.
