The Filth and the Fury

Sunday, 7th March 2010

On the back of Andrew Rawnsley's revelations, I decided to write about Gordon Brown's "bad citizens" for the politics column of the Spectator. Under the magazine's new online rules, this is only available a week after publication. But now you can read the filth and the fury in all its sordid glory.
I have since been approached by one of the players named in the piece to say that I had misinterpreted his concern for my welfare as threatening behaviour.
This, I would suggest, is the whole problem.

Filed under: Andrew Rawnsley (15 more articles) , Bullying (2 more articles) , Downing Street (115 more articles) , Gordon Brown (906 more articles) , Labour fightback (13 more articles) , Labour in Crisis (77 more articles) , Number 10 (35 more articles)

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In2minds

March 9th, 2010 12:02am Report this comment

I try to be a gentleman so was waiting for Rhoda Klapp to go first, can't wait any longer.

Two posts, one (below) says "Cameron Must Show a Ruthless Streak". The other (above), "The Filth and the Fury", about Nulabour going too far and being thuggish. And the third way is?

Actually I've just discussed Nulabour thuggery with a friend who reminded me of the Nulabour MEP who 'gut-barged' a pensioner in Birmingham for handing out 'Campaign against Euro-federalism' leaflets, what is it about Nulabour?

Derek

March 9th, 2010 12:38am Report this comment

I read Mr. Bright's piece in the 27 February issue which arrived in Shanghai a couple of days ago. It is the same edition which carries Rod Liddle's article which suggests that the problem with Gordon Brown is not bullying but only one of bad manners.

It is the function and glory of democracy that it reins in the autocratic tastes of many who are drawn to politics and prevents them from overstepping the mark and developing into fully certified tyrants. Mr. Bright does well to stare these people down and to tell them to step off his toes. We should support him all the way.

Britain's tree of liberty though is looking decidedly parched.

Rhoda Klapp

March 9th, 2010 8:26am Report this comment

In2minds, how thoughtful. I didn't have an opinion in this one, except to decry those 'journalists' who enable bad behaviour on the part of bullies in the back offices. I know Martin has suffered from this, and I commend his stand. I wonder why so many journos are involved on a personal level in supporting bad behaviour and spreading smears. I am amazed that there seems to be at least a patina of deniability, as if GB did not know, and this leads me to remember the purges, when honest citizens being led away to the gulags were convinced it was all a mistake by over-zealous officials, crying 'If only Stalin knew!'

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