The future of the nation’s Post Offices was under discussion when Post Office CEO Neil Brocklehurst met delegates from the National Federation of Sub Postmasters (NFSP) at New Covent Garden Market (NCGM) on Friday 28 November.

Organised by Sub Postmaster Raj Patel - who runs NCGM’s on-site Post Office – the event highlighted the Government’s ‘Green Paper on the Future of the Post Office’, the early stages of a proposed bill that acts as a comprehensive review of the Post Office's future. The Green Paper aims to ensure Post Offices remain a vital part of the UK's social and economic fabric, inviting public input.

“I wanted to host an event so that Neil and his senior Post Office colleagues could hear directly from me and my fellow Sub Postmasters, as well as representatives from the NFSP,” says Raj (pictured above speaking at the meeting), adding he was delighted to see so many senior representatives from the Post Office.

Attendees at 'Future of the Post Office' event held at New Covent Garden Market (NCGM) on Friday 28 November 2025. L to R: Steve Diamond
Assistant Director of Economic Development at Wandsworth Council; Calum Greenhow, Chief Executive of the NFSP; Ruth Buckley-Salmon, Public Affairs Manager at the NFSP; Raj Patel, NCGM Sub Postmaster; Neil Brocklehurst, Post Office CEO; Charlotte Cool, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at the Post Office; and Howard Greenman, Non-Executive Director at the NFSP.

As a long-standing member of the Market’s community, Raj has more than 30 years of experience serving the Market’s customers as their Sub Postmaster. He also serves as the Non-Executive Director for the London region of the NFSP.

Raj added: “This is an issue that will affect all Post Offices and their communities across the country, so we wanted to demonstrate how strongly we feel about Post Offices remaining at the heart of communities across the UK and it’s encouraging to hear that Neil and his colleagues share our views.”

Post Office CEO Neil Brocklehurst, who was clearly in listening mode as well as answering questions from attendees, agreed with Raj that Post Offices are an essential part of the UK’s infrastructure.

Raj Patel (NCGM Sub Postmaster) and Neil Brocklehurst (Post Office CEO) at NCGM

“Post Offices are the hubs of their respective communities and much more than the sum of everything they offer customers,” said Neil. “We’re one year into a five-year plan and we want to rebuild trust. Post Offices and their Post Masters are the anchor tenants of our high streets, and we want to sustain their long-term future. The only way to be successful is for Post Offices and Post Masters to be successful together.”

Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) Chair Wanda Goldwag OBE (pictured above), introduced the guests, highlighting how lucky the Market was to have an on-site Post Office and such a dedicated Sub Postmaster. “Raj Patel is an amazing advocate for everything Post Offices bring to communities,” said Wanda. “This discussion is only just starting, but we know that wonderful ambassadors such as Raj will continue to fight his corner to ensure a brighter future for Post Offices across the county.”

The entire Green Paper report can be read here.