FEARFUL GOVERNMENT POSTPONES POST OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENT TILL AFTER LOCAL ELECTIONS

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 16th Apr 2007

Leeds MP, Greg Mulholland, has slammed the Government's decision to delay its announcement about its plans for the future of the Post Office Network. The Government's response to the post office closures consultation was expected at the end of March but has been delayed until late May, after the local government elections.

Commenting Mr Mulholland said:

"It is outrageous that the Government think that they can get away with such underhand tactics.

"By delaying their response the Government clearly think that the can avoid being held accountable for their actions at the polls in May. If they were going to announce good news would they really be delaying it?"

"The Government knows what the public will make of their plans to close 2,500 post offices. They know how badly that will affect pensioners and rural communities who depend on post offices and the Government are scared of the backlash."