The recent publication of Observer journalist, Andrew Rawnsley’s book The End of the Party has brought much interest in the conduct of Gordon Brown and others, including the National Bullying Helpline and its Chief Executive, Christine Pratt, and the journalist, Andrew Rawnsley.
It is time to step back.
We are close to a general election, so the truth is not necessarily a priority for any of the parties.
First of all the allegations. What are they?
Gordon’s Brown abusive behaviour and volcanic eruptions of foul temper left Downing Street staff so frightened that he received an unprecedented reprimand from the head of the Civil Service, Sir Gus O’Donnell. Fundamentally the book paints a picture of an often lonely and desperate figure who took out his frustrations on those around him. His own Chancellor, Alasdair Darling has said that Gordon Brown’s aides unleashed the “forces of hell” on him after he predicted the severity of the UK recession.
Are these allegations contradicted?
Well, none of the central allegations are denied. O’Donnell appearing in front of the justice committee yesterday acknowledged that he had offered the prime minster advice on how “to get the best out of his staff.”
Rawnsley is not some right wing journalist but an Observer man of the Centre-left. He has written a not dissimilar gossipy book, Servants of the People, which was largely accurate in its portrayal of the top New Labour.
The problem for Gordon Brown is that he has never had a proper job and/or learnt a civilised way of doing business. It is significant that Tony Blair and John Major had no allegations about their conduct and civil servants spoke about the cordial way business was done. Gordon Brown appears to have learnt tactics on how to get things done to move up the political ladder; Frankly the fact that he has been able to become Prime Minister is a rather depressing indictment of the character attributes.
Is this bullying? Bullying is often about the intention of the managers. I am sorry to say that the allegations about Gordon Brown just ring too true.
Nevertheless to put this into perspective his tactics are too unsubtle. In other words if he had a problem, he would complain to your face. The really dangerous bullies are those that use subtle methods such as manipulation of holiday schedules, expenses and reduction in job responsibilities. They use a variety of tactics which are used often skilfully to undermine their victim over time. The key is that this often done subtly, and I cannot give Gordon Brown this credit.
Gordon Bownn, too me is portrayed as someone who seems more struggling with the respondibilties(and probably failing) than a motivated bully.