How can we eliminate political bullies?

Reports of bullying of government officials by Priti Patel, Gavin Williamson and Dominic Raab all prompted demands to reform the UK’s political culture. These demands surface every time such despicable behaviour by a politician comes to light.?

This poison absolutely most be rooted out of parliament and Whitehall, because no-one should have to work with or for bullies – those petty, over-promoted inadequates who, lacking the charm and charisma to inspire loyalty, default to intimidation to inspire fear instead.

When I was a senior Whitehall civil servant I witnessed this first-hand. I saw two cabinet ministers treat officials despicably in meetings, while I was also once the subject of a furious tongue-lashing from Matt Hancock - he was annoyed at my department; it wasn’t actually anything I’d done.?

I don’t mind a robust exchange of views, but these were tirades by ministers to which the officials were powerless to respond. We just had to sit there and take it. In other organisations in which I’ve worked, where I felt that senior leaders were being unfair or unreasonable I’ve been able to push back and call out that behaviour.

There are formal routes in Whitehall for officials to complain about ministers’ behaviour, but few officials will have confidence in that procedure after Priti Patel was kept in the Cabinet despite being found to have bullied her officials. That officials in the Ministry of Justice have been offered the chance to move jobs to avoid working for Dominic Raab shows just how dysfunctional things are. This is the lamentably classic ‘protect the bully; move the victim’ approach

Many other ministers are fabulous to work with. David Gauke, for instance, was respectful, charming, funny, approachable and appreciative. If he was dissatisfied with something, he didn’t rail against his officials for failing him; he set out clearly and constructively what he expected, what was missing and when he wanted it done. As a result, he was very well liked and inspired loyalty and discretionary effort.

Going back much further in my career, John Prescott – who was caricatured in the media as an irascible bruiser – was the most charismatic, charming, kind, considerate and inspiring person I have ever worked for. Never once in nearly four years did he raise his voice at me or criticise me; instead he was constructive, supportive and always found time to give me feedback, praise and thanks. I know many other MPs who were and are terrific employers, though we all knew who the bad ones were: word spread around our network in the canteens and bars that we met in.

So what should be done to eliminate the political bullies? Here are my suggestions.

First, more effective vetting and selection of electoral candidates should prevent obvious arseholes from entering parliament in the first place. Second, party leaders should more rigorously vet those they appoint to senior positions – there is no excuse for knowingly or negligently appointing a bully or a sex pest. Third, MPs should all have proper management training.?

Some leaders are naturally more charming and engaging than others. Without ever being trained, they just have a gift for inspiring and motivating their staff to give of their best. But those of us in positions of responsibility who don’t have this natural ability can - and must - learn those skills, so we can better lead, inspire, motivate and engage with those who work for and with us.

There will be many MPs who, through no fault of their own, have not had the opportunity to gain the experience they need to manage staff well. But while this might not be their fault, parliamentary staff and departmental officials should not have to suffer because of it. Training in people management should be compulsory for all new MPs as part of their induction, alongside the training they get in legislative procedures, payroll and expenses. This should be refreshed after each election. Ministers should also be put through intensive sessions on organisational leadership when they are appointed, again refreshed periodically, so that they understand what is expected of them as “inspiring, confident and empowering” departmental leaders, in exactly the same way that is expected of senior civil servants.?

Sadly, it won’t happen. Many public servants and parliamentary staff will continue to experience bullying, harassment and intimidation by politicians that goes unreported and unpunished. Sometimes, we’ll get to hear about this abuse when the bravest staff members speak up and seek justice, prompting yet another call for ‘something to be done’. That this is still allowed to persist in our parliament and government, when the evidence of bullying in politics is so undeniable, is a matter of national shame.