Priti Patel
I have previously written an article on the bullying charges that were levied against home secretary Priti Patel, however, to get you up to speed I will outline what they were. Patel was found to have bullied multiple members of her own party, and this is not an isolated incident. Indeed, she has actually demonstrated something of a pattern of bullying throughout her political career; an official collapsed after one argument with her, she "swore and shout[ed]" at staff, and had one of her victims paid off.
This culminated in the resignation of Philip Rutnam (Former Home Office Secretary) in March of 2020, leading to a report that found Patel had “not consistently met the high standards of the ministerial code”. Johnson however let her off with nothing more than a proverbial slap on the wrist. This eventually led to Sir Alex Allan resigning, after the findings of his report had seemingly been brushed aside by Johnson. Patel issued an ‘apology’, where she did not admit to bullying but apologised for any distress caused.
John Bercow
Until 2019, John Bercow was the speaker of the House Of Commons.
Recently, a panel investigated and found that as speaker he was a “serial bully” and “serial liar”, after testimonies were heard regarding his behaviour in this position by three people he worked alongside. Bercow has since responded saying that the report is “amateurish” and has been based on petty “tittle-tattle”. However, his appeal was fruitless, and he has since been suspended pending further investigation by Labour.
These charges had been levied by him from three people; Lord Lisvane, Kate Emms and Angus Sinclair. They accuse him of subjecting subordinates to “threatening behaviour” and of an “abuse [of] his power”. Lisvane was said also to be victim to “repeated unfound criticism” in his capacity as a senior clerk. Emms has subsequently expressed relief that she has been “vindicated” by the findings of this report.
Bercow insists that there are eyewitness testimonies that these transgressions did not actually occur, suggesting that these staff targeted him because of his desire to modernise the House Of Commons – concluding that the panel was simply a “kangaroo court”.
Furthermore, Bercow has not issued an apology because he does not “believe in faux apologies”.
Signs of hypocrisy
The validity of the report, and whether or not the former speaker is in the wrong is a separate conversion. What is frustrating though is the fact that he has been held more accountable (despite not having an active role in politics anymore), than the woman who is the current Home Secretary.
Patel’s bullying is perhaps even worse considering that she tried to sweep it under the rug afterwards. Not only has she proved to be a bully, but also that she is capable of other misgivings such as bribery. Yet, despite repeated demonstrations of poor character, she occupies one of the most important governmental positions.
What is important is not to let double-standards become the norm. Both Bercow and Patel – along with all who occupy a position of power – need to be held to equal standards.
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