The Pot Calling the Kettle Brown

Gordon Brown’s political image has been less than perfect, and after allegations of his being Downing Street's resident bully shortly before the general election, it might be too late to fix. But, regardless of how the polls react to these unproven allegations, one thing is certain: the National Bullying Helpline (NBH) has lost all its credibility.

The allegations were published in the Observer as they ran an extract of Andrew Rawnsley's suspiciously well-timed book, The End of The Party. The extract describes Christine Pratt, chief executive of the NBH, telling Mr Rawnsley she had received calls from Downing Street staff.

Whether Mr Brown is, or is not, a bully is not the issue at stake. Whilst it is a serious allegation, it has been conducted in an unethical manner.  

The NBH, whose central ethos must be one of trust and confidentiality, have shamelessly breached all protocol, permanently damaging their reputation and credibility. Furthermore, the thus far unrepentant charities head has opened her organisation to valid accusations of partisanship, as it attempts to ride the storm out from behind a Tory flag.

Whilst other UK bullying helplines are condemning the NBH's actions, the NBH are defending themselves with a message from David Cameron where he states how stamping out bullying in the workplace is a "vital objective". Mr Cameron he goes on to congratulate the charity with having provided such "practical support" to its users. The Tories have shamelessly taken advantage of Mr Brown’s difficult predicament, and are taking this opportunity to portray him and his party as unfit to govern. 

The priorities of the NBH should be to fight discrimination and protect the rights of victimised members of our society, regardless of political affiliation. Public outrage at Mr Brown's supposed actions should be redirected against an unethical and now untrustworthy charitable organisation.