Fabian Hamilton MP Blog
Sick politics
Friday 26th February 2010 10:29 AM
Just a few days ago Gordon Brown was courageous enough to appear for an in depth interview with Piers Morgan. I don't think many of us can comprehend just how stressful that can be and we all saw how Gordon and his wife Sarah's grief was genuinely felt when asked to talk about the loss of their first child in her first few days of life. No media manipulation, no spinning - just an opportunity for viewers to see what their prime minister is like as a person.
No doubt some people saw this effective communication as a threat to their own political agendas or ambitions.
I am absolutely convinced that the recent row about alleged bullying or aggressive behaviour in the prime minister's office stems from a frustrated political perspective. I have no doubt that working under any prime minister is stressful. The crises of the nation, the aspirations of the people and the pressure for change all end up inside number 10 Downing Street, and sometimes all at once. Life in the prime minister's office is exhilarating and very demanding. I have no doubt that many of us would find it difficult to keep up. All staff, volunteers and colleagues in that or any other organization should of course be helped if they find the situation too stressful. It is of no particular surprise to me that perhaps there was some contact with a charity supporting those under stress at work. Sometimes we all need a safety valve.
If I had ever contacted a charity for help, I'd be appalled if my situation was ever used publicly in the way that has happened in the last few days. Christine Pratt, the Chief Executive of the National Bullying Helpline, has in my view grossly betrayed clients' confidence and brought her charity into disrepute by her decision to attack the prime minister's office and challenge the denial of a bullying culture in Downing Street. That her action has been taken up so strongly by the media makes me sure that there is a conspiracy. We have an economy that is moving out of recession. The government strategy to support the economy and not repay borrowing too early has been supported by large numbers of unbiased economists. Government strategies to search for consensus solutions to big issues such as the care of the elderly are welcomed by most thinking people. The opinion polls have narrowed. All this is making some Tory supporters very angry as not only do they see the chance of a big majority in the next election melting away, their chance even of a victory is now improbable. The arrogance of some of those who see themselves as the natural party of government knows no limits.
It's no surprise to me that the muck-rakers are out in force again.
I believe passionately in the power of politics to improve lives and I will always defend my ideals. I will explain the differences between right and left and why I want the state to be purposeful, compassionate and effective. I will fight and fight again on these terms but I despise the kind of politics that seeks to undermine through rumour, innuendo and envy. That is what I believe has happened this week behind the number10 story. I would not want to be a member of a party that is happy to stoop to such depths.
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