BULLYING: Helpline boss must quit, says Willis

Former headteacher, Liberal Democrat education spokesman Phil Willis has called on bullying helpline chief Christine Pratt.

Mr Willis, a longtime campaigner against bullying in schools, said she had to go because she had betrayed the trust of the No 10 staff who had allegedly complained about bullying in Downing Street.

He said that at the very least the Charity Commission should step in and hold a formal inquiry.

Mr Willis said, " Whether bullying takes place in the workplace, school or No10 Downing Street it needs to be dealt with professionally, swiftly and confidentially.

" That Christine Pratt, one of the co-founders of the charity National Bullying Helpline, appears to have discussed openly the confidential complaint of a member of Gordon Brown's staff without at least bringing the complaint to the attention of the Prime Minister or seeking permission from the individuals concerned is unforgivable.

" Those subjected to bullying are at their most vulnerable when disclosing their suffering to a third party - any breach of confidentiality is not only a betrayal of trust for the individual it sends out a signal that the organisation set up to protect the bullied is not to be trusted.

" It is not the patrons who should be resigning from the National Bullying Helpline it is Christine Pratt and those who have generously supported this charity should look elsewhere to place their support.

" At the very least the Charity Commission should step in and hold a formal inquiry."

Mr Willis, an ex Leeds headteacher is an active supporter of Bullying UK a Yorkshire based anti-bullying charity.

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