Royal Mail has launched an investigation into allegations that a postman claimed to have 'dumped' Reform UK campaign leaflets in a bin. The incident came to light after a post on a private Facebook group for Royal Mail staff, which said: 'My DO had reform party's D2D today. I dumped them all in a bin. They can sack me! Idgaf!' The post was shared in the 30,000-member group called Royal Mail Chat.
Reform UK demands probe
A Reform UK legal representative sent a letter of complaint to Royal Mail chief executive Alistair Cochrane, noting that the screenshot was circulated on or around Saturday. The acronyms used in the post include 'DO' for delivery office, 'D2D' for door-to-door unaddressed advertising mail, and 'IDGAF' for 'I don't give a f***'. The letter described the post as clear prima facie evidence of deliberate destruction or non-delivery of campaign materials entrusted to Royal Mail.
Party leader Nigel Farage commented on X: 'It is right that RoyalMail have launched a full investigation into this allegation. If found to be true, it would be very disturbing and an attack on the democratic process itself.'
Royal Mail's response
Royal Mail issued a statement saying it 'plays a crucial role in elections' and 'we take our responsibility very seriously and do not tolerate the deliberate non-delivery of mail'. The company added: 'We are investigating this allegation and remain committed to impartial delivery for all candidates.'
Reform UK has demanded an 'immediate and thorough internal investigation' within three days of the letter, dated Saturday, and a full written explanation. The party also requested details of any compensation measures Royal Mail proposes to offer for the loss and disruption caused by the incident.
Broader context
The Facebook group is open to Royal Mail employees and partners, as well as members of the Communication Workers Union, but does not admit current or former Royal Mail managers. The incident has raised concerns about the integrity of mail delivery during election campaigns.
