A former deputy postmistress is standing against Kingston & Surbiton MP Ed Davey in the next election.

The news follows as Davey faces growing criticism over his role in the Post Office scandal.

Yvonne Tracey, standing as an independent candidate, worked at New Malden post office over 30 years. 

Speaking on Davey's role in the scandal, Ms Tracey said: "Sir Ed is now blaming others for his failure to challenge civil servants and do his job properly. His attitude to the hundreds of sub-postmasters over the years must be challenged."

Over 700 sub-postmasters were handed criminal convictions after faults in accounting system Horizon, indicated that money was missing from post office accounts.  

From 2010 to 2012 Davey served as the postal affairs minister in the Liberal Democrat-Conservative Coalition government. In this capacity, he received numerous reports expressing concerns about the flawed Horizon software at the Post Office. Accusations also suggest that Davey dismissed the grievances of those affected.  

Former sub-postmaster Alan Bates, who inspired the recent ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office, wrote a letter to Davey in May 2010 asking to meet him to discuss the campaign. 

Davey responded to his request stating: "I do not believe a meeting would serve any useful purpose." 

Speaking on a Channel4 interview on 8 January 2024, Alan Bates said: "I think most of the ministers have been given a real bum-steer by their officials and by Post Office. I think Post office has been briefing against our campaign for many years across all the political parties.  

"I think just holding him [Ed Davey] responsible is a little bit much." 

Accusations also suggest Davey dismissed the grievances of those affected. Ms Tracey referred to another accused postmaster, Mr Shiju in the Kingston constituency, who lost his business, his home and even attempted suicide. 

"He tried three times to get in touch with Sir Ed and every time he was turned away, refused or ignored," she said.

Ms Tracey initially called for a current sub-postmaster or mistress to stand against Sir Ed but has decided to "take up the mantle" herself.

She concluded: "I'm standing as a resident - not a politician - to put honesty and integrity back into this election, and fight tirelessly for justice once and for all for my former colleagues."

Elected as the second councillor for Kingston's Independent Residents Group (KIRG) in November 2022, Ms Tracey has just over one year's experience on the council. 

Speaking after Ms Tracey was elected in 2022, she said: "I'm very humbled. I didn't think I would win. It's very hard to get elected as an independent candidate."

In the 2019 general election, Sir Davey and the Lib Dems won 51.1% of the vote, with Conservatives at 33.9% and the KIRG at just 0.8%.

Davey also spoke to Times Radio where he said he was "deeply misled by Post Office executives". 

Though some have had their convictions quashed, many are either still awaiting appeal or have died waiting for justice. 

A Liberal Democrat spokesperson said: "Ed has said that he wishes he knew then what we all know now - that the Post Office was lying to victims, him and other ministers on an industrial scale.

"This was a conspiracy on a grand scale perpetrated against hundreds of postmasters, and ministers across the political spectrum for two decades.

"His focus now is on getting justice and compensation as quickly as possible to all those affected." 

The Lib Dems have been approached for an updated comment.

Full interview coming next week…