Over the last couple of days the same, small group of people who tried to derail my re-adoption process just before the last General Election have decided to have another go at destroying my personal reputation and calling into question my professionalism in my relationships with other people.
The timing again seems uncanny, it started the last time the day my son, Clifford, was born and now two weeks before I am going to be married to my fiancée Andrea.
Firstly, let me deal with the allegations made by Jo Kinsey. It is not correct that she was not listened to or taken seriously: roughly a year ago Jo spoke with the then Deputy Chief Whip, Anne Milton MP, as well as Barbara Joy as the Head of the Parliamentary HR Service. I then, as soon as possible, invited Jo to a meeting, where she had a UNITE representative present. During the course of the meeting Jo was asked, several times, if she had any allegations which she wanted to put to a grievance procedure – she declined.
Instead, she spent the entire meeting criticising other members of my team. A few weeks later, she informed me of a family bereavement. I gave her my sincerest condolences, and gave her as much time off as she needed. The reason why, several weeks later she had a letter inviting her to another meeting, was because there was an ongoing HR procedure, which she herself had started.
When she decided to resign in February, just before another scheduled meeting she did make some complaints in writing. I then, again, suggested that she take these forward formally as part of a grievance procedure, and she, again, declined. I believe I did all I could to help her, and there are people still working with me who were present when Jo was part of the team – I have to say that they have a very different recollection of events than are being put by Jo Kinsey and her friends.
I have a huge amount of professional respect for Councillor Richard Eddy, he is an excellent local councillor who cares passionately about his local community and the great city of Bristol. I enjoyed serving alongside him during my time on Bristol City Council, and in subsequent political campaigns. I cannot recollect him ever bringing to my attention these so-called ‘personality flaws’ which he now mentions. I am really surprised that he seems to profess an intimate knowledge of my office and team, given that the only time Councillor Eddy has come to my office was at my Christmas Drinks Party last year.
I am very fortunate to be surrounded by some great people in my offices, I am very proud that many of the people who have worked for me have gone on with their careers, have done great things, and remain great friends.
I am very sad that my decades-long friendship with Richard Eddy must end in this way, especially given he is a god-parent to my firstborn son, Domenic.
I would say to these people that they have to accept that they failed to get me de-selected, and I was subsequently re-elected with more votes than ever before. They will not stop me doing a job which is a huge honour, and a privilege to do. They will not stop me enjoying planning my wedding which will take place in three weeks’ time. This personal witch-hunt must stop, and I have taken legal advice today.