It certainly is nice to hear that the patient advocacy movement can make a difference!

This is an impressive win for public citizens who refuse to stop kicking down doors! Awesome!

I wonder? Was he pressured (by GSK, or Ofsted), or did he make the decision himself, for the reasons stated. It may even be the case that he didn't fancy the vilication that would surely have come his way, during his tenure. And perhaps he was a genuinely honourable man, who didn't want his own name besmirched by association with his employer, although obviously, he'd struggle to say that, in public.

If Witty resigns from Brown's Business Council, I'll have a clearer understanding, I think.

Matt

Well he is still an employee of GSK.

"How was work today dad"

"Good"

"We discredited a few scientists who tried to say that our drug makes kids kill themselves at a faster rate".

How do they sleep at night?

That's true, but I was once an employee of Albourne Partners Limited (for which I held the FSA Controlled Functions of Internal Audit and Finance), and I wouldn't want that held against me...

The funny thing is, Blackburn's done the only thing he could possibly have done to demonstrate that he was an honourable man, and yet his actions may still be construed otherwise. Anyway, it's Monty Burns I want, because I know that fucker's a liar - and it's been documented.

Matt

Difficult situation to assess properly..

Some clues might be found in his statement though :

http://www.pharmalot.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/blackburn-statement.pdf

Issued – Monday 7 July 2008, London, UK


RESIGNATION: OFSTED NON-EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER



In June 2008, Paul Blackburn, Senior Vice President Financial Controller at GlaxoSmithKline was
appointed as a Non Executive Board Member of OFSTED, the official body for inspecting schools in
the UK. Mr Blackburn was selected for his breadth of financial experience and his willingness to put
his skills and knowledge at the disposal of OFSTED. He was appointed alongside three other
representatives from UK companies http://www.dfes.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2008_0107

Following unfounded allegations made directly to OFSTED and subsequently reported in the media,
Mr Blackburn has resigned as a member of the Board at OFSTED’s request.

Paul Blackburn said: “At OFSTED’s request, I have resigned. This is very disappointing for me
personally and I hope it will not dissuade others currently working in companies to consider roles with
public bodies. I wish to make it clear that this decision should in no way give credibility to the spurious
allegations which have been reported regarding GlaxoSmithKline. These are entirely without
foundation and have been previously addressed by the company. Rather, it is my desire that the work
of OFSTED continue unhindered by negative media attention.”

It seems to me like he was pressured by OFSTED which was pressured by the media , patient advocates and blogs ..
I find the statement "I wish to make it clear that this decision should in no way give credibility to the spurious
allegations which have been reported regarding GlaxoSmithKline. These are entirely without
foundation and have been previously addressed by the company" .. very interesting indeed...

I wonder what allegations is he referring to?..
GSK testing AIDS drugs on Orphans in New York 2004?..
That's been proven..

GSK hiding information on Seroxat causing suicides in children?
That's also been proven...

GSK intimidating critics such as Dr Buse over information about Avandia causing heart attacks?..

That has also been proven..

It seems to me that it is not anything that anyone has remarked in regards to GSK's unethical behavior which has caused this situation to unfold, but rather it is its own ignorance to public perception and the importance of corporate responsibility..

Seems to me like it's unethical history has finally caught up with it..
And for that the company has no one to blame but itself..

All this makes me wonder what Sydney Taurel (Lilly Chairman) is up to as a member of Bush's Homeland Security Council. Makes me shudder to think.

"email campaign by various victims of Paxil (Seroxat) in the UK"

unfortunately the "Aropax" in Brazil and in other countries, that is the brand name for Paxil in US, do not send e-mails because they don't know anything about it all.

Mr. BlackBurns... i see, i see..

I don't know why I remembered Mr. Burns from The Simpsons.
:)

Due to working within a public school system in the U.S.; I can safely say, it was that pressure that caused him to resign, not the pharma side. When school boards/watch dogs have angry citizens to deal with pertaining to the children, school administrations can be quite horrid. It is a victory where I feel the GSK vp was "snared into the trap" where we wanted him, but the angry parents and school system, believe it or not is worse than anti-pharma groups!

However it happened, I am glad to see this day!!

Kudos to all who spoke up and got the job done. I feel it is as if we parted the ocean today.

Evil vs. government vs. evil vs. citizens.

Use your voice!!!

PS--Fid is my hero for being angry and highlighting this issue.:)

Ana: Monty Burns isn't this guy, Blackburn, it's my nickname for JP Garnier. Obviously, I'm making no comparison between Burns' reprehensible behaviour, and that of the former GSK ceo: I'm merely referring to the physical resemblance!

Matt