BRITISH PRIME minister Gordon Brown and chancellor of the exchequer Alistair Darling held talks yesterday following Mr Darling’s allegations that Number 10 Downing Street had “unleashed the forces of hell” against him in 2008.
Mr Darling’s decision to voice his anger now about the incident – which followed an interview where he said the recession would be the worst in 60 years – caused deep concern within Labour, with just months to go to the election.
The two men put forward a united front during prime minister’s questions in the House of Commons, provoking Conservative Party leader David Cameron to declare scornfully: “Any closer and they will be kissing.”
Praising Mr Darling at the expense of Tory shadow chancellor George Osborne, Mr Brown said: “The chancellor has been right on every economic issue over the last three years.”
Mr Darling’s timing may be intended to strengthen his hand as he prepares the March budget. He came within hours of losing his post in a reshuffle last June, but Mr Brown backed away at the last moment.
Last night, sources close to the Chancellor – who all-but identified a former Brown aide as being involved – said he accepted the prime minister’s word that he did not have anything to do with the negative briefing that went on after his 2008 interview.
The aide, Damien McBride, who had to quit his job after being involved in a smear campaign against Tory MPs last night categorically denied involvement. Mr McBride blamed the Treasury for some of the problems in dealing with the 2008 crisis.
Meanwhile, cabinet secretary Gus O’Donnell has rejected charges that he ever warned Mr Brown about his treatment of staff at Number 10: “We go from the sublime to the ridiculous,” he told a Commons committee yesterday. “It could not be clearer. I never talked to the prime minister about his behaviour in relation to bullying Number 10 staff, but of course I talk to the prime minister about how to get the best out of his civil servants.”
The National Bullying Helpline – whose chief, Christine Pratt, fuelled the bullying story when she said that some Downing Street staff had contacted her organisation – has temporarily suspended operations.
Four patrons, including Cork-born Tory councillor Mary O’Connor, have resigned as they were unhappy with Ms Pratt’s decision to breach the confidentiality of callers. However, Ms Pratt said they had quit “when we needed them most”.
A statement from the charity noted: “We would be pleased to meet with Gordon Brown, to whom we wish no ill, if it would help to remedy the situation. We are currently considering the future of the charity. Christine Pratt is prepared to resign if necessary.”
Cllr O’Connor said: “Sadly, it often takes victims of bullying a very long time to pluck up the courage to speak out. And the fact that these calls have been made public will make people think twice before seeking help.”