I am delighted to see that Private Eye, the world's second best magazine (there is no first, dearies) , has taken up the cause against Andy Coulson (in its new Jan 9 edition), the bullying former editor of the News of the World who is now the Tories' director of communications (ie spin).
In a previous post I expressed astronishment that the Tories have not invited Coulson to fuck off on the grounds that a future Conservative government might have credibility problems on any bullying policies in retaining his services. Late last year, an employment tribunal found that he had presided over a bullying culture at the newspaper, had waged some sort of vendetta against an unwell sports hack, Matt Driscoll. Coulson didn't turn up to explain himself and media silence followed. So much for concerns about bullying.
The Eye now reveals why. "Tory spinners have been in overdrive since Christmas, warning hacks not to run anything on the damning judgement for fear of antagonising 'the chap who'll run the next government' [Coulson]," the magazine reports. Does this sound like collateral bullying?
It is a disgrace that the Tories and the mainstream media have not made more of this. Is it now the position of the Tory Party that some laws are less important than others? And as the Eye reminds us, the liars and dolts of the News of the World only recently championed an anti-bullying campaign in schools. Of course there are those who do not take bullying seriously for fear of being viewed weak: when I contacted Guido Fawkes about this before Christmas, all that clot could say was that he had been a bully at school and made light of the matter. He thought I was a "snitch".
I also contacted a number of UK anti-bullying organisations: not one has yet responded, though the Christmas hols may account for that. I will continue to draw attention to this case - and of course we await news of the compensation to be awarded to Driscoll.
14 comments:
Have you lost your sense of humour, or is just you were bullied?
Don't try to make light Mr Fawkes - what have you written about Coulson? You have real influence and trying to stay silent on that sleazeball does you know credit whatsoever. Humour in this instance is just another tactic to trivialise. You get serious when it suits you.
Here's the deal: You call for Coulson's sacking and I'll vote Tory at the next election.
Oh, and speaking of bullies, do catch up up on the hideous Bridget Rowe and her mule teeth - perhaps the first ex-Fleet St ed to head a political party, albeit one that's squatting. I'm sure the Electoral Comm will have something to say soon enough.
Happy New Year. Sexy.
My, you're quite a ranter Madame, dear. Perhance you had something to do with the coincidence of your crazed rants and the Private Eye piece? Be honest now.
A fine piece.
I think Private Eye formed an interest in Coulson all on its lonesome, dear. It is a big story being quietly buried by the Tories - or so they hope. I'd have been amazed had the Eye not written about the sleazeball bastard.
I don't know why you're so preoccupied with Bridget Rowe. She's been out of the loop for a decade or so now, a dim and nasty memory, someone best forgotten. As for her political ambitions, we can safely conclude she won't be following Thatcher's trail anytime soon. Get back to satire and cocks, you're quite good at those.
...Bullies are always cowards at heart and may be credited with a pretty safe instinct in scenting their prey.”
can't remember where I heard that but certainly apropos...
s! x
One of many things that British politics could surely do without is more thuggish Campbell types running the show - you'd have thought the media particularly would have had enough of all that kind of bollocks, or maybe they have some peculair masochistic desire to get pushed around yet again.
Do continue the 'sack the fucker' campaign please...
Been ill MA, sorry not replied to your email. Happy New Year and lots of love though.
All credit to the lad who went to the tribunal. There are some good people who work at the NOTW and in my experience they've been the ones who have pushed the anti-bullying-in-schools agenda rather than the management.
It didn't make pleasant reading in my newsroom and not with my Bullying UK hat on either.
I'll watch Coulson's new career with great interest. If he still has one, that is.
I have sent you confidential information on Coulson.
"astronishment"
Is that the surprise of soothsayers? :-)
Er, well retrospectively I'll say Yes and leave it as it is. You never know, it may make the Oxford English dictionary by mistake.
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