Charity caught in Brown bullying scandal suspends helpline
Christine Pratt - the founder of the National Bullying Helpline
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Wednesday, 24, Feb 2010 12:43
The charity at the centre of allegations of bullying involving Gordon Brown and Downing Street staff has suspended its helpline with its future in doubt.
Christine Pratt, the founder of the National Bullying Helpline, was subjected to fierce criticism at the start of the week after alleging a series of calls from concerned members of staff had been made from the prime minister's offices to the charity.
A series of patrons resigned in the wake of her comments, claiming she had breached victims' confidentiality.
A statement released on the charity's website today announcing the suspension of services declared: "Our patrons have resigned at a time when we needed them [the] most.
"Due to the situation at this time we are temporarily suspending our helpline."
The statement went on to attack competitor charities and apologise for any distress the move may cause.
"Competitor anti-bullying charities, individuals with an axe to grind and a few others have forced our hand. We are extremely sorry for any distress this may cause to those who need help right now," it said.
The bullying charity claimed Ms Pratt had confirmed she is prepared to resign if required over the issue, while rejecting claims, led by business secretary Lord Mandelson, that her comments had been politically motivated.
The accusations of bullying at Downing Street have dominated the news agenda since the serialisation of Andrew Rawnsley's book The End of the Party in the Observer at the weekend.