West End Extra - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Published: 23 October 2009
The role of Porter
• AS former employees of Westminster Council who served under Lady Porter, we have some sympathy with Ms (Tracy-Ann) Oberman when she describes her performance of Lady Porter as one of the “toughest of her life” (Lady Porter role is so tough for Tracy-Ann, October 9).
We found it tough too, working under her at City Hall during her period of office.
We part company with Ms Oberman, however, in her perception of Lady Porter as having a “human side” as this was never apparent to the many council officers, junior and senior, who had the misfortune to work for her or left because of her. The unpleasant truth of it is that Lady Porter was tyrannical and ruthless.
We wish Ms Oberman success with the radio play and her desire for a possible stage spin-off. We also wish her luck with her portrayal of Dame Shirley Porter and hope that her performance has not been unduly softened by her personal views.
It may be worth reminding Ms Oberman that almost every tyrant in history, even the minor ones, acted upon the conviction that they were “doing a good thing”. NAME AND ADDRESS supplied
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