Anti-bullying helpline: We HAVE received calls (updated)

The boss of the National Bullying Helpline (no, we didn't know there was such a thing either) has poured petroleum on the smouldering embers of the scandal surrounding Andrew Rawnsley's claims about Gordon Brown.

Speaking on camera to the BBC, Christine Pratt said that the organisation HAD received a number of calls in recent years from people working in Gordon Brown's office.

She said that denials of these stories compound the stress for those who have suffered. Ms. Pratt suggests that a responsible organisation ought take a more mature role to address such a problem where it is found.

Taking care not to make any conclusions, Ms. Pratt said: "I am not saying Gordon Brown is a bully, I am not a judge. But I am appalled at the outright denial that is going on without due process being followed."

This follows in sharp contrast to the well-reported comment of Peter Mandelson who, when asked about the allegations of Brown's bullying, denied their validity saying: "I would like to think that I took my medicine like a man."

Benedict Brogan in the Telegraph muses: "There is still plenty to be told. Quite how so many senior people, from Tony Blair on down, allowed a politician whose flaws they well knew to end up running the country, is a question Labour will have to answer."

Monday newspaper update

The Times observes: "For all his faults, it is hard to picture Tony Blair actually bullying anybody. Gordon Brown’s predecessor may have undermined and patronised; he may have charmed his colleagues while encouraging other colleagues to knife them in the back, but it is hard to see him grabbing anybody by the lapels and snarling into their face."

Bruce Anderson in The Independent writes: "Gordon Brown deserves no gentleness. But he has now created his legacy. He is the first Prime Minister whose staff have complained to the national bullying hotline."

The Sun has a thought about official denials, saying: "GORDON Brown's "reign of terror" behind the closed doors of Downing Street is serious enough. But to add to the troubling image of an out-of-control Prime Minister, it seems there was a major operation to mislead voters."

10.30am update: Good grief. We go into an illegal war, our national sovereignty is signed away by an unelected Prime Minister, al of our centuries old civil liberties are curtailed and - what is it that looks like guaranteeing the end of Labour? Workplace bullying. Who'd have thought...