That bullying story

[steepholm]

I'm no fan of Gordon Brown, and I can all too easily believe he's a bully. But there's something a bit fishy about the revelation from the National Bullying Hotline that several members of his office have called them over the last few years. Surely the first rule about running a confidential helpline is that you don't out your clients? Or, to quote their web site: "We never share your details with anyone else. All correspondence is confidential."

Then, there's the fact that the site's front page has a long quotation from David Cameron prominently displayed, and that two of its patrons are prominent Conservative politicians. None of this may be enough to acquit Brown in the court of public (or even my) opinion, but it's enough to make me go 'Hmm.'

Comments

[emmaco.livejournal.com]

Even if they help David Cameron out, surely they are shooting their charity in the foot? Who wants to phone a hotline that isn't confidential? I can't imagine how they think the political payoff is worth the damage to their work.

[shewhomust.livejournal.com]

Yup.

I think the Labour Party has fallen into the same trap by demanding evidence, instead of saying that of course they can't possibly ask for such a breach of confidence.

Also, if bullying at number 10 is such an unprecedented evil, why are they all being so nice to Alistair Campbell and helping him promote his novel?

Also also, I will be so glad when this phony war is over.

[drasecretcampus.livejournal.com]

And more stuff this morning about commercial aspects of the charity. It's all very messy.

(And I should just like to add, in the spirit of No 10, I have never beaten my wife)

[gillo]

Did you hear the "Hotline" woman this morning? It sounds more than a bit fishy - OK, so the other woman also had an axe to grind, but the suggestion that whoever answers the phone tries to sell the caller the services of a firm which just happens to be run by the Hotliner's husband? Iffy to say the least.

I'm certain Gordy gets very bloody when his temper is aroused. But I imagine that is true of almost all politicians who make any headway up the greasy pole.

[steepholm.livejournal.com]

I didn't see her, no, but the story seems to be unravelling very quickly. The charity turns out to be almost a year overdue with its accounts, to have spent only £800 or so in its history, and (as you say) to have been founded by the directors of the commercial business to whom it regularly recommends clients. Add that to the confidentiality breach and the Tory connections, and the whole things begins to stink of hákarl.

Oh, and apparently she has now admitted that none of the allegations of bullying concerned G Brown himself. Well, well.

[sheenaghpugh]

John Humphreys tore her apart. Totally.

[kalypso-v.livejournal.com]

Charity directors resigning all over the place, and even Ann Widdecombe condemning their behaviour... but I think people will remember the headlines and forget the unravelling.