PR Leaders say Brown's reputation beyond repair

London 22 May 2008 - The PRCA PR Leaders' Panel believes that Gordon Brown's reputation has been irrevocably damaged since he became Prime Minister. 27% of the panel said Brown's reputation had been slightly damaged since he took over from Tony Blair on 27 June 2007, while a massive 73% said the damage was irrevocable. Only 15% of respondents felt that Brown could significantly improve his reputation by strengthening his communications team, while 42% felt it would have some effect and the same number thought it would have no effect.


Francis Ingham, PRCA Director General said "PR leaders are unanimous in saying that Brown's reputation has fallen since he took office. Indeed, almost eight out of ten say that it has been damaged irrevocably. While there are no guarantees that he can turn things round, communications experts clearly think he should take immediate action to improve his comms team."


The panel agreed that the apparent backtracking is a real issue. Sara Tye of redheadPR said "Gordon Brown can only turn this around by ensuring that before a decision is made and communicated, thought leaders and stakeholder views are all taken into account. Continual back tracking looks weak." But some feel that any changes will now be too late. Diana Soltmann of Flagship Consulting Ltd said "Even PR cannot change a leopard's spots!"


- ENDS -
 

About the PRCA PR Leaders' Panel

The PRCA PR Leaders' Panel is made up of managing directors of members of the PRCA (Public Relations Consultants Association), the UK trade association that represents the PR industry in the UK.

 

QUESTIONS

What has happened to Gordon Brown's reputation since he took office?

  • Irrevocably damaged - 73%
  • Slightly damaged - 27%
  • Remained unchanged - 0%
  • Improved slightly - 0%
  • Improved dramatically - 0%
     

Can Gordon Brown improve his reputation by strengthening his communications team?

  • No - 42%
  • Yes, to some degree - 42%
  • Yes, significantly - 15%
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