Ex-Post Office lawyer refuses to testify at Horizon inquiry
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IN SHORT
Jane MacLeod, the Post Office's former general counsel, has refused to provide oral evidence to the public inquiry into the Horizon IT scandal. MacLeod, who was in charge between 2015 and 2019, has submitted a written statement but will not appear in person or via video link, citing the passage of time. Her decision has drawn criticism from victims and the inquiry chair.
Key Numbers
2015-2019Jane MacLeod's tenure as Post Office general counsel
Who's Involved
Jane MacLeod
former Post Office general counsel who refused to testify
Sir Wyn Williams
chair of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry
Paula Vennells
former Post Office CEO who named MacLeod as a trusted executive
Jo Hamilton
wrongly convicted former sub-postmaster
Alan Bates
leader of the sub-postmasters' landmark case
↳ Why This Matters
Jane MacLeod's refusal to testify at the Horizon IT Inquiry raises questions about accountability for the scandal's victims, particularly given her senior role during the litigation. Her decision limits the inquiry's ability to gather crucial firsthand accounts and potentially influences the ongoing efforts to uncover the full truth and ensure justice for those affected.
Key facts
Jane MacLeod, former Post Office general counsel (2015-2019), refused to give oral evidence to the Horizon IT Inquiry.
MacLeod cited the passage of time for her decision not to appear, offering only a written statement.
Inquiry chair Sir Wyn Williams called MacLeod an 'important witness' and expressed frustration at her non-cooperation.
MacLeod lives in Australia, limiting the inquiry's ability to compel her attendance.
Paula Vennells, former Post Office CEO, identified MacLeod as a trusted executive who provided information.
Vennells stated MacLeod believed the court case against sub-postmasters was 'the only way to solve this'.
Jane MacLeod, the Post Office's most senior in-house lawyer during the period it fought the landmark Horizon IT scandal case, has refused to appear before the public inquiry. MacLeod, who served as general counsel between 2015 and 2019, has submitted a written statement but will not provide oral evidence, either in person or via video link, citing the passage of time.
Sir Wyn Williams, chair of the inquiry, described MacLeod as an "important witness" and expressed his frustration at her unwillingness to cooperate, despite offers to cover her travel and accommodation expenses. He noted that his options to compel her attendance were limited as she lives abroad, and the Inquiries Act 2005 only applies to UK nationals.
MacLeod's decision has drawn criticism from victims. Jo Hamilton, one of the wrongly convicted former sub-postmasters, stated that if MacLeod were determined to help, she would be there. In her written statement, MacLeod acknowledged that decisions made during her tenure had implications for many sub-postmasters and their families, expressing regret and apologizing for the adverse outcomes.
During her testimony, former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells named MacLeod as one of the senior executives she trusted for information. Vennells recalled asking MacLeod about the ongoing court case against sub-postmasters, which she felt was "completely wrong." According to Vennells, MacLeod had indicated that the court case was "the only way to solve this."
MacLeod had previously stated in March that she supported the ongoing public inquiry and was assisting it. However, she is now facing disciplinary proceedings for refusing to cooperate, with her case referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Frequently asked questions
Jane MacLeod served as the Post Office's general counsel, its most senior in-house lawyer, between 2015 and 2019, a period that included the landmark litigation against sub-postmasters over the Horizon IT system.
MacLeod's lawyers stated that given the passage of time, she considered her written statement to be the best evidence she could offer. She has not provided further comment to the BBC.
The inquiry chair, Sir Wyn Williams, noted that his options to compel MacLeod's attendance are limited because she lives abroad. The Inquiries Act 2005 allows for compelling evidence only from UK nationals.
Paula Vennells, the former Post Office CEO, named MacLeod as one of the senior executives she trusted to provide her with information. Vennells also recalled MacLeod's view that the court case against sub-postmasters was 'the only way to solve this'.
What Happens Next
01Jane MacLeod faces disciplinary proceedings at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
02The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry continues to seek evidence from relevant parties.
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How It Developed
Jane MacLeod, former Post Office general counsel, refused to appear before the Horizon IT Inquiry.
MacLeod submitted a written statement but declined oral evidence, citing the passage of time.
The inquiry chair, Sir Wyn Williams, stated MacLeod was an important witness and expressed frustration over her lack of cooperation.
MacLeod's lawyers offered travel and accommodation expenses to encourage her attendance, but she refused.
Sir Wyn noted his limited options to compel MacLeod's attendance due to her living abroad.
Paula Vennells, former Post Office boss, named MacLeod as a trusted executive who had let her down.
Vennells recalled asking MacLeod about the court case against sub-postmasters, with MacLeod reportedly stating it was 'the only way to solve this'.
MacLeod previously stated she supported the inquiry and was assisting it.
