That photo.

The hysterical response of the Tories to a computer-adjusted picture demonstrates how desperate they are for a smear story to turn the polls in their favour.

Even if the facts were as alleged and our Jamie had actually agreed to the photo being altered, would this have been such an awful offence? The photoshoot was done to show the support of those present for the new hospital. The insertion of Mr Purnell's image after the photo had been taken was quite immaterial in this connection.

There would indeed have been cause for censure if James had not bothered to turn up at the event. But he did make the effort, albeit twenty minutes late, and I can well understand the practical photographic reasons for recording his presence in the way that was done.

Context is everything in incidents of this sort. The so-called "fakery" did not involve misrepresenting anyone, as the BBC trailer for the documentary about the Queen did. Nor did it involve the kind of breaches of trust perpetrated by the BBC and ITV in respect of their phone-in audiences. It was done simply to rectify the consequences of a heavy ministerial schedule. Maladroit? Yes. Something approaching a resignation matter? Come off it!

Comments

[Alan Smart]

I do love Stan's stuff. Just when one is beginning to believe Labour is edging back towards the land of integrity, he pops up with this neo-blarite apologetic drivel"So what that dossier was sexed up, bernie ecclestone got a favour or two done, a photo was doctored".

That it happened - big deal indeed, id all but forgotten about it. But that Stan woud take time out to Blog that its was actually ok to doctor a photo and Progess would give him the platform to do so has me worried.

[Seasider]

Don't be ridiculous, Alan Smart. You are completely unfair to criticse Stan's comments.

It wasn't as though Purnell failed to turn up, he was simply late. The Trust wanted a photo of all the MPs. It was their decision because it suited THEIR publicity material. There was no desperation on Purnell's part to be in a doctored photo. Big deal! It shows how pathetic the Tories are.

I'm more interested in the calendar photos of Peter Bottomley's "harmless fun" with models dressed up in low-cut nurses uniforms, fishnets and stilettos.

The Tories must be the only people left who think such Carry On style "humour" is acceptable these days. Again, absolutely pathetic.

And certainly worth commenting on.