Downing Street staff 'contactedbullyinghelpline'

THE Conservatives have accused the Government of orchestrating a cover-up of the Prime Minister’s behaviour after it was revealed that Downing Street staff had contacted an anti-bullying helpline.

The head of the National Bullying Helpline charity, Christine Pratt, said she had taken calls from Downing Street employees suffering from stress over what she called a “bullying culture” following allegations that Gordon Brown had mistreated his staff.

Mrs Pratt said: “We would have hoped Gordon Brown would lead by example. If an employer receives complaints they should investigate.

“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.”

A spokesman for the Tories said: “This development suggests that there could be a cover-up at the heart of government over the Prime Minster’s behaviour.”

Mrs Pratt said there had been “three or four” contacts with the helpline from Downing Street staff in recent years – although others were received before Mr Brown took charge.

But she declined to give details of the allegations – such as whether Mr Brown himself was accused of being part of the problem.

Her comments follow revelations of a string of alleged incidents of verbal and physical outbursts by Mr Brown, incidents so bad that Cabinet secretary Gus O’Donnell was compelled to give the PM a “verbal warning”. Last night both the Cabinet office and Downing Street strenuously denied the allegations.

‘Emotional and demanding but no bully’: Page 4; Comment: Page 10.