The Metropolitan Police is investigating an allegation of ‘malicious communication’ relating to a series of ‘poison pen’ letters regarding the BMA’s GP Committee chair.
Last week, LMC leaders across England proposed a motion at their conference which said they are ‘deeply disturbed to learn that anonymous “poison pen” letters are being sent to LMCs in an attempt to defame and threaten’ GPC chair Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer.
The motion, which was not chosen for debate, praised the Metropolitan Police for its ‘ongoing investigation into this incident’.
When asked about this LMCs motion, the Met confirmed to Pulse that it is investigating an incident reported in August.
A spokesperson said: ‘Police are investigating an allegation of malicious communication that was reported in August 2024.
‘This relates to letters that were sent to a senior member of the British Medical Association. They are being kept updated with the progress of the investigation.
‘There has been no arrest and enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.’
An offence of malicious communications is defined as the sending of letters which are indecent, grossly offensive, threatening, false or intended to cause distress or anxiety.
Pulse understands there have been roughly 20 letters sent to GP leaders regarding Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, and the motion last week was ‘supported by’ 43 English LMCs.
Letters of a similar nature which criticise the GPC chair have also been sent to the Pulse office.
Motion in full
DEVON: That conference is deeply disturbed to recently learn that anonymous “poison pen” letters are being sent to LMCs in an attempt to defame and threaten the incumbent Chair of GPC England and:
(i) reaffirms the condemnation of misogyny in all its forms and expresses ongoing concern at the treatment of female medico political leaders
(ii) applauds the Metropolitan Police for their ongoing investigation into this incident
(iii) is alarmed to note that the content of these letters often appears to refer to privileged information pertaining to the Board of GPDF
(iv) calls on the GPDF and BMA to hand over all relevant information to the police in order that the perpetrator(s) may face the full force of the law
(v) considering the recent Employment Tribunal decision that the Chair of GPC England is, in fact, an employed role, asks the BMA to provide assurances as to how it is safeguarding the welfare of its employee who is the subject of this harassment.
(NOT DEBATED)
One letter, seen by Pulse, claimed that Dr Bramall-Stainer is ‘trying to cause chaos at the BMA’ and that she aims to ‘take control’ of the union.
Addressed to GPC Wales chair Dr Gareth Oelmann, the letter said: ‘She is using GPs, creating a sense of injustice, yet intentionally achieving very little in her negotiations, because she wants to cause more chaos, creating more instability for the Conservative Party, again for personal gain.’
Another letter, sent this week and addressed to Dr Bramall-Stainer herself, criticised her ‘campaigning style’, arguing that GPs ‘need someone who is more conciliatory and has the ability to negotiate effectively’.
The anonymous letter continued by accusing the GPC chair of not being trustworthy and calling for her to resign.
Letters sent to LMCs also used insulting language when referring to Dr James Booth, who is a GPCE member for North and South Essex and a medical director for Cambridgeshire LMC, where Dr Bramall-Stainer is chief executive.
Pulse has contacted Dr Bramall-Stainer and Dr Booth out of courtesy. The BMA declined to comment while the police investigation is ongoing.
Using the Police to silence critics?
A sad day for democracy and freedom of speech.
Nothing quoted here justifies “poison pen” label, nor police intervention.
Looks to be a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence critics.
Speak Up. No one is. Very few try. Primary Care is doing
Speak up. Primary care is dying in front of our eyes
.can organisations protect whistle blowers?