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Minister apologises for suggestive texts



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Published Date: 08 September 2008
By Andrew Woodcock
A GOVERNMENT minister has apologised unreservedly to a civil servant who asked to be moved from his office because of his behaviour towards her, it was revealed yesterday.
The Department of Health said the woman was "unhappy with the nature of her working relationship" with Ivan Lewis but chose not to bring a formal complaint against him.

Susie Mason, who was 24 at the time, had been appointed to 41-year-old Mr Lewis's private office when he joined the Department of Health in 2006.

Reports yesterday suggested the minister bombarded her with dozens of suggestive text messages.

After complaining to her managers about his behaviour, she moved to another post within the department and has since left.

In a statement, the Department of Health said: "

At her request she left the minister's office and was given another job in the department. She was a hard-working, extremely competent employee and we were sad to see her subsequently leave.

The minister in question apologises unreservedly."





The full article contains 170 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 07 September 2008 10:00 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Matt there,

somewhere 08/09/2008 00:30:13
And the reason this story broke just now, about a year late is... what, exactly? Lewis is not a target of the Black Ops from the Number 10 Bunker, is he?

Oh, surely not?
2

Robbie 2,

NZ 08/09/2008 00:50:25
To save any uncertainty as to which Government he is a minister of (especially for those overseas, not familiar with all UK MPS). Why not define the man and position exactly.
Mr Ivan Lewis member of Westminster Parliament for Bury South, and is a member of the Labour Party.
There no confusion as to who and where he is.
3

Guga II,

Rockall 08/09/2008 01:31:22
#2 Robbie.

You don't seriously expect the Hootsmon to openly admit that he's a member of the New Labour Sleaze and Corruption Party, do you?

In any event, he should be made to resign for his actions; though Labour members never get any punishment for their wrong-doings. Even The Mouth of the South, after admitting she broke the law, escaped without any punishment.
4

A Better Way,

Scottish Republic 08/09/2008 01:43:25
The Scottish Government is acting for the rights of women. They are at present undertaking a complete revamp of Scottish Rape Laws, which could be adopted by many other countries. Here we have evidence of Westmonsters New Labour Sleaze Parties attitude towards women.

She was described as being very good at the job she was hired to do, and she had a pleasant disposition, and just wanted to do something that anyone else would wish to do. She was building a decent career that many would be proud and entitled to do, only to be looked upon as a sex object for some sleazy, grubby little Politician.

Im afraid that if she was related to me I would have visited the said MP, and spelt out the consequences of his actions, by giving him the hammering he deserved.
5

Richardinho,

08/09/2008 07:56:42
'After complaining to her managers about his behaviour, she moved to another post within the department and has since left.
'

Yet he is still in his job. This must be this 'social justice' thing labour politicians are always telling us they 'passionately believe' in.
6

The Former Mr. Angry,

Perth 08/09/2008 09:16:57
In any other sphere he would have been disciplined at least if not sacked. I have delivered a final warning to someone in the same position who was sending suggestive email messages to a colleague, who was understandly upset about it having asked him to stop doing so. This produced the desired effect amd there were no more emails.

As usual with Labour no one is ever found guilty if they're in a position of power or trust. At the end of the day though they usually give themselves away and ruin their careers - witness Wendy.
7

Dragonhead,

Dalian,China 08/09/2008 10:39:13
Nu-Labour are typical champagne socialists.Seduced by the trappings of power.Invulnerable to the laws we have to abide by.When caught out, quick apology and it is alright and the taxpayers will pick up the tab, when the lady nails his horny *ss to the wall for compensation.Any monies so awarded should come from his pocket,not the taxpayers.Then and only then will they even pause before doing this sort of thing.The lassie went to a lower position,so expect the suit against the incompetent drone any time soon.
8

Davex,

08/09/2008 15:25:22
Gordon believes that sexual harassment by people in power should be meet with disciplinary proceedings unless it's a Govt minister who are able to exploit their positions and get the victims moved and demoted.

This is Gordon's Moral Compass!
9

calum,

08/09/2008 17:11:26
Is there a Mrs. Lewis? She should file for divorce and take him to the Bendix. And Susie Mason should sue him for the damage that he has done to a promising career by being unable to control his horny urges. She should have made a formal complaint, though, because that just gives the rest of us decent guys a bad name by letting him away with it.

 

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