Prime Minister Gordon Brown is at the centre of a storm of controversy over his alleged behaviour. It has been revealed by the head of a leading anti-bullying organization that her organization was contacted “several times” by members the civil service working at 10 Downing Street. Christine Pratt is responsible for the charity involved, the National Bullying Helpline and she has herself drawn criticism for speaking out at this time. It has been suggested that by revealing that allegations have been made, that the anonymity of the helpline was placed at risk.

What happens if furniture abuse continues

So what exactly is Gordon Brown supposed to have done? Nobody with any real credibility is making the suggestion that he gave a painful and humiliating wedgie to a junior civil servant before flushing his head in a lavatory. No, the accusations, though serious, stop short of that kind of physical assault. They seem to be mainly that the PM was quite prone to shouting and also to hitting furniture. Doubtless this kind of behaviour would not be conducive to the creation of a pleasant working environment, but is Brown being treated fairly by these concerns being raised in the public eye at this time? Opinion is divided.

In favour of the public airing of these supposed grievances there are some strong arguments. It could be argued that the power of the office of the Prime Minister and the Parliamentary Labour Party would mean that a more discreet approach might fail. On the other hand some view the surfacing of these allegations as a cynically timed and politically motivated attack upon the allegedly furniture bashing Prime Minister.

As an election approaches the Labour Party is crying foul over the accusations. Questions have been raised as to the political independence of the National Bullying Helpline. Although the organization claims to be apolitical, some of its funding does seem to come from the opposition. In particular one of the patrons turns out to be Conservative MP Anne Widdecombe.