"Government cynicism on post offices is staggering" - Farron

12.00.00am GMT Tue 27th Nov 2007

Local MP, Tim Farron expressed his dismay today at the news that the Government has instructed Post Office Limited to suspend any consultations on post office closures in the period immediately preceding the local elections in May next year. The Government requested the change of plan because 'the closure of any Post Office can be highly sensitive and can potentially become a local political issue'.

Mr Farron said:

"I am gobsmacked that hard working post masters would be used as political pawns in such a blatant manner. Why should they be kept in limbo just so the Labour party don't suffer at the local elections?

"It beggars belief that the Government has been so brazen on this issue. I have had hundreds of letters to my constituency office from people supporting their local post office, this news will only serve to galvanise the campaign further."