Twas the night before Christmas…

If I had any design skills I’d put some snow on the secret email logo, but I don’t. Apologies. I am feeling quite festive, though. Have you got your presents wrapped?

There was so much going on this week I knew I would be writing to you again before everything stops completely for a couple of days.

First of all thanks for all the emails and texts and tweets. I am sorry if I haven’t replied to you. My inbox has been somewhat overloaded recently. If you have posited an idea or suggestion, or you have some useful info I need to get eyes on, please bear with me. I’ll try to get there.

What’s cooking?

The first piece I’d like to point you in the direction of is a letter sent by former consultant psychiatrist Minh Alexander. Dr Alexander has some concerns about Paula Vennells being a fit enough person to chair an NHS Trust (Vennells’ new job after leaving the Post Office) and has asked for a review. It’s one hell of a letter.

The focus on Paula Vennells continues with both the Sunday Times and the Daily Mail asking searching questions about the former CEO’s role in this scandal. The Daily Mail has even secured the first apology from Ms Vennells, two days after the same reporter was told that asking such a question was “inappropriate”.

I hope you enjoy reading the above. It’s great watching brilliant journalists pick this story up and to do some digging. Many hands…

I hope you have the loveliest of Christmas breaks. If you can, switch off the data on your phone, shut the lid on your laptop and enjoy the company of family and friends.

It’s been an epic year for so many people connected with this story. As I’ve said many times on the radio over the last week or so, it’s been a genuine privilege to be able to report it. Have a wonderful break and I’ll be back with more in the New Year.

All the very best this Christmas. I hope it is peaceful, happy and uplifting.

Yours

Nick