This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/7999671.stm
The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| E-mail smears 'a serious breach' | |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Former Downing Street adviser Damian McBride's actions were a "clear and serious breach" of Whitehall rules, the head of the civil service has said. | Former Downing Street adviser Damian McBride's actions were a "clear and serious breach" of Whitehall rules, the head of the civil service has said. |
| Sir Gus O'Donnell said "strengthened" guidance had been issued to department heads on codes of conduct on Wednesday. | Sir Gus O'Donnell said "strengthened" guidance had been issued to department heads on codes of conduct on Wednesday. |
| Special advisers caught "disseminating inappropriate material" are to be automatically sacked under new rules. | Special advisers caught "disseminating inappropriate material" are to be automatically sacked under new rules. |
| Mr McBride quit after it emerged he had made unfounded e-mail allegations about senior Conservative politicians. | Mr McBride quit after it emerged he had made unfounded e-mail allegations about senior Conservative politicians. |
| In a letter to shadow Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude, Sir Gus said such behaviour "cannot and has not been tolerated". | In a letter to shadow Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude, Sir Gus said such behaviour "cannot and has not been tolerated". |
| 'Broader activity' | 'Broader activity' |
| Mr Maude had asked a series of questions about who knew what about e-mails from Mr McBride to former government spin doctor Derek Draper, containing allegations about figures including Tory leader David Cameron and shadow chancellor George Osborne. | Mr Maude had asked a series of questions about who knew what about e-mails from Mr McBride to former government spin doctor Derek Draper, containing allegations about figures including Tory leader David Cameron and shadow chancellor George Osborne. |
| He questioned the role of Cabinet Office minister Tom Watson - who has issued a statement through lawyers saying he had "no involvement in or knowledge of" proposals to set up a gossip-led website called Red Rag, on which it was suggested the allegations be published. | He questioned the role of Cabinet Office minister Tom Watson - who has issued a statement through lawyers saying he had "no involvement in or knowledge of" proposals to set up a gossip-led website called Red Rag, on which it was suggested the allegations be published. |
| Mr Maude asked about the terms of departure of Mr McBride and whether the e-mails were part of a "broader pattern of activity by other special advisers". | Mr Maude asked about the terms of departure of Mr McBride and whether the e-mails were part of a "broader pattern of activity by other special advisers". |
| In his reply, Sir Gus wrote: "Mr McBride is no longer employed as a special adviser. His resignation was accepted immediately and had immediate effect. He has not received severance pay." | In his reply, Sir Gus wrote: "Mr McBride is no longer employed as a special adviser. His resignation was accepted immediately and had immediate effect. He has not received severance pay." |
| He said Mr Watson had "made his own position clear" and the prime minister had made clear "that he has been assured that no minister or political adviser other than Damian McBride had any knowledge of, or involvement in, the e-mails". | He said Mr Watson had "made his own position clear" and the prime minister had made clear "that he has been assured that no minister or political adviser other than Damian McBride had any knowledge of, or involvement in, the e-mails". |
| 'Cesspit' | |
| For the Conservatives, shadow schools minister Nick Gibb said the whole affair demonstrated "something very specific to Gordon Brown". | |
| He added: "There's something about Gordon Brown that I'm afraid changing codes and rules won't change... | |
| "It's Gordon Brown who appointed this person [Mr McBride]." | |
| On Tuesday Nadine Dorries, one of the Conservative MPs mentioned in the e-mails, said Downing Street had become a "cesspit", with staff operating "according to the values of the prime minister". | On Tuesday Nadine Dorries, one of the Conservative MPs mentioned in the e-mails, said Downing Street had become a "cesspit", with staff operating "according to the values of the prime minister". |
| Schools Secretary Ed Balls told the BBC that the e-mails had been "vile, despicable and horrible" but all sides needed to look closely at those they employed and what tactics they used in order to "raise standards". | Schools Secretary Ed Balls told the BBC that the e-mails had been "vile, despicable and horrible" but all sides needed to look closely at those they employed and what tactics they used in order to "raise standards". |
| As well as writing to those named in the e-mails to express his "deep regret", Mr Brown sent a letter to Sir Gus, saying he was ready to take "whatever action is required" to prevent a repeat of the incident. | As well as writing to those named in the e-mails to express his "deep regret", Mr Brown sent a letter to Sir Gus, saying he was ready to take "whatever action is required" to prevent a repeat of the incident. |