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Post by fretslider on Feb 21, 2010 13:06:48 GMT
I expect most have heard about Andrew Rawnsley's revelations about our glorious leader's bad behaviour. The old stories about the throwing of mobiles at people and the trashing of printers have now been joined by tales of Brown becoming increasingly paranoid.
Gus O'Donnell, the cabinet secretary, became so alarmed by the prime minister's behaviour that he launched his own investigations when he received reports of Brown's bullying of staff. O'Donnell then gave the prime minister a stern "pep talk" and ordered him to change his behaviour. "This is no way to get things done," he told Brown - allegedly.
When briefed about the infamous loss of confidential data discs, containing the personal details of more than 20 million people, he leapt across the room and grabbed Gavin Kelly, his deputy chief of staff, by the lapels of his jacket. Brown snarled into Kelly's face: "They're out to get me".
Another victim of the prime minister's wrath was Bob Shrum, a respected American political consultant and speechwriter, who had worked for Brown for years. When Brown was accused of plagiarising phrases used by Al Gore and Bill Clinton in his 2007 conference speech, the prime minister screamed at a shaking Shrum: "How could you do this to me, Bob? How could you fucking do this to me?
Stewart Wood, found himself on the end of a similarly shocking volley of verbal abuse when he attempted to brief the prime minister about a Downing Street reception for European ambassadors. "Why have I got to meet these fucking people?" he yelled at Wood. "Why are you making me meet these fucking people?" Brown then roughly shoved aside the stunned adviser.
Poor old Gordon, he isn't stable, mentally, and he just isn't leadership material, and now the party's over.
Interestingly, the Downing Street spin machine has gone into denial mode; denying accusations that have not been made. Brown "I never hit anyone". Well, no one said he did. No.10 seem to be really trying hard to kill this story which means that it must have an element of truth to it. Stephen Pound has confirmed that Gus O Donnell had to rebuke Brown about his bullying tactics.
This was the coronation that was doomed. And it just goes to show that a book has more spine than the Labour party
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Post by Ben Lomond on Feb 21, 2010 13:21:05 GMT
So they are denying the stories------well, as was once famously said "they would say that, wouldn't they?" It is also said that there is never smoke without fire, and in this case it is not a lonely plume of smoke in the distance, but a wall to wall, horizon to horizon blackout that tells of a forest fire!
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Post by june on Feb 21, 2010 14:15:10 GMT
I expect most have heard about Andrew Rawnsley's revelations about our glorious leader's bad behaviour. The old stories about the throwing of mobiles at people and the trashing of printers have now been joined by tales of Brown becoming increasingly paranoid. Gus O'Donnell, the cabinet secretary, became so alarmed by the prime minister's behaviour that he launched his own investigations when he received reports of Brown's bullying of staff. O'Donnell then gave the prime minister a stern "pep talk" and ordered him to change his behaviour. "This is no way to get things done," he told Brown - allegedly. When briefed about the infamous loss of confidential data discs, containing the personal details of more than 20 million people, he leapt across the room and grabbed Gavin Kelly, his deputy chief of staff, by the lapels of his jacket. Brown snarled into Kelly's face: "They're out to get me". Another victim of the prime minister's wrath was Bob Shrum, a respected American political consultant and speechwriter, who had worked for Brown for years. When Brown was accused of plagiarising phrases used by Al Gore and Bill Clinton in his 2007 conference speech, the prime minister screamed at a shaking Shrum: "How could you do this to me, Bob? How could you fucking do this to me? Stewart Wood, found himself on the end of a similarly shocking volley of verbal abuse when he attempted to brief the prime minister about a Downing Street reception for European ambassadors. "Why have I got to meet these fucking people?" he yelled at Wood. "Why are you making me meet these fucking people?" Brown then roughly shoved aside the stunned adviser. Poor old Gordon, he isn't stable, mentally, and he just isn't leadership material, and now the party's over. Interestingly, the Downing Street spin machine has gone into denial mode; denying accusations that have not been made. Brown "I never hit anyone". Well, no one said he did. No.10 seem to be really trying hard to kill this story which means that it must have an element of truth to it. Stephen Pound has confirmed that Gus O Donnell had to rebuke Brown about his bullying tactics. This was the coronation that was doomed. And it just goes to show that a book has more spine than the Labour party On a related note: Do people genuinely think politicians are generally smarter than your average voter?
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Post by mouse on Feb 21, 2010 15:35:26 GMT
[ Do people genuinely think politicians are generally smarter than your average voter? no.. not if the ones on offer are to go by....mind you what is the level of the average voters smartness
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Post by mouse on Feb 21, 2010 20:10:34 GMT
Downing Street staff contacted a bullying helpline, it is claimed Full Image The head of an anti-bullying charity has hit out at Gordon Brown after revealing several Downing Street staff have called its helpline.
Christine Pratt said she had "seen red" after ministers rallied round to deny claims in a new book that the Prime Minister had been warned over his treatment of staff.
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Post by june on Feb 21, 2010 21:12:35 GMT
And?
So he's not great to work for. Easy solution to that. Don't work for him.
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Post by fretslider on Feb 22, 2010 8:17:25 GMT
And? So he's not great to work for. Easy solution to that. Don't work for him. Ah, the man and the party who are 'against bullying' and are about to offer a 'fairer Britain'..... It's all boolox. Pure hypocrisy. Blow up Parliament.
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Post by mouse on Feb 22, 2010 8:29:18 GMT
And? So he's not great to work for. Easy solution to that. Don't work for him. even easier..sack him....yeah way to go..the man is a disaster
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Post by mouse on Feb 22, 2010 8:32:46 GMT
And? So he's not great to work for. Easy solution to that. Don't work for him. Ah, the man and the party who are 'against bullying' and are about to offer a 'fairer Britain'..... It's all boolox. Pure hypocrisy. Blow up Parliament. of course its all hypocracy..and yes lets blow up parliament....they are all expendable funny though i always thought gov worked for the people...instead the people now seem to work for the gov...who look on being elected as the go ahead to do what ever they wish smith fields and bonfires anyone
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Post by june on Feb 22, 2010 10:05:17 GMT
I'm not excusing his behaviour but he was known as a shit when in hmt. I guess that is when or why gus formally spoke to him. Those working for him have a choice not to, I would have got out asap based on his rep in hmt if I knew he was coming to be my boss.
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Post by Ben Lomond on Feb 22, 2010 13:42:19 GMT
But it IS a little scary that we have in charge of the nation a man who is prone to fits of violence, indecision, self pity and hubris. And that his first reaction to criticism is to lie...and lie again in denial. I'm not naive enough to expect politicians to be paragons of virtue; but Brown is surely the bottom of the recent crop of fairly average PMs?
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Post by mouse on Feb 22, 2010 14:03:13 GMT
to have flaws is human....to have brown is utter madness
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Post by june on Feb 22, 2010 17:31:59 GMT
But it IS a little scary that we have in charge of the nation a man who is prone to fits of violence, indecision, self pity and hubris. And that his first reaction to criticism is to lie...and lie again in denial. I'm not naive enough to expect politicians to be paragons of virtue; but Brown is surely the bottom of the recent crop of fairly average PMs? Ben - I think many of those in Government over the last 20 odd years or so will have has their little 'quirks' including violent tempers and obvious mental health issues. Some may well have put unacceptable (in real life) pressure on the CS to get their own way, including helping their mates out when the action was patently illegal. Some might not be able to accept fact or may induce CS staff to be 'creative' on their behalf. I am sure a Civil Servant would be able to tell you that these things pass - Ministers go but HM CS always remains. Quite often a Minister may have to resign over something 'leaked' or because it is well known they need more time with their family. I am sure the CS team behind them remain in post quite happily doing what they do very well. A bully is easy to deal with given their predictability and I am sure GB is not the first - but perhaps he is the 1st CS are willing to drop in the shit so publicly! It's a catch 22 - you wouldn't want someone who wanted/sought to be in charge, in charge.
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Post by everso on Feb 23, 2010 0:06:36 GMT
While not denying that something has obviously been going on, I still think it was wrong of the Pratt woman to divulge what were obviously confidential matters. The people who telephoned that helpline would have assumed that anything they said would not be blabbed to the newspapers.
I think it was a disgraceful thing to have done and was a real breach of trust.
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Post by Big Lin on Feb 23, 2010 1:12:46 GMT
I doubt very much if Brown is a bigger bully than Thatcher or Heath or even Blair.
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Post by mouse on Feb 23, 2010 9:41:03 GMT
doesnt matter who is/was the bigger bully.....there are limmits to what any employee should have to put up with from ANY employer and i dont think the rightly named pratt woman breached any trust as she didnt give names...she simply answered mandlesons assertion.... can any one imagine working for john prescott...ughghghgh
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Post by riotgrrl on Feb 23, 2010 11:13:58 GMT
While not denying that something has obviously been going on, I still think it was wrong of the Pratt woman to divulge what were obviously confidential matters. The people who telephoned that helpline would have assumed that anything they said would not be blabbed to the newspapers. I think it was a disgraceful thing to have done and was a real breach of trust. I think it's more than just a breach of trust; It's a breach of confidentiality and possibly data protection. I am astonished that the director of a reputable charity should have behaved in this way. I've worked for charities most of my working life (following a brief period working in politics) , and a member of my staff who had done this would be sacked by me on the spot for gross misconduct. Client confidentiality is - or should be - sacred. Not just morally, but legally.
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Post by mouse on Feb 25, 2010 12:39:51 GMT
Sir Gus O'Donnell: I did tell Gordon Brown to be nice to officials The head of the civil service has admitted discussing with Gordon Brown how he should treat his staff. By James Kirkup, Political Correspondent Published: 10:00PM GMT 24 Feb 2010 Sir Gus O'Donnell, the Cabinet Secretary Photo: DAVID ROSE Sir Gus O’Donnell said he had told the Prime Minister that he needed to be positive and supportive towards his officials. He made the admission as Mr Brown faced fresh questions over his treatment of colleagues after Alistair Darling, the Chancellor, accused No 10 aides undermining him and unleasing the "forces of hell" against him it all gets like pulling teeth,,,so why did this man deny speaking to the clown ? can anyone believe a word they speak
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Post by Ben Lomond on Feb 25, 2010 13:58:22 GMT
Speaking of which, did you see the pantomime put on by Brown and Darling in the chamber yesterday? Brown was trying oh so hard to look matey with Darling, but with all the charisma of a an actor with stage fright; while Darling was visibly flinching, as one might when being accosted by a rampant homosexual with rape in mind.
Wasn't it Oscar Wilde who penned the words, "one would have to have a heart of stone not to laugh". It certainly made MY day. Haven't laughed so much since granny caught her t*ts in the mangle!
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Post by mouse on Feb 25, 2010 14:06:39 GMT
i think i am beyond laughing now..except in a slightly hysterical way but darling..a rabbit caught in the headlights...if ever there was one....
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