There is a bit of background though - there were a few articles (ES was one, can't remember the others) a couple of weeks ago suggesting that she was one of the 'toxic' members of the cabinet and suggesting, among others, Ellwood as 'one for the future'. I doubt she shied away from the answer, but maybe the journo was thinking they'd get a printable reaction when they asked.
Fair enough, no idea about the context involved! Still think labelling it as 'grassing up' is a bit too far. Dangerous territory making up accusations to the point that the actual valid ones become diluted.
Oh I agree there, definitely. And I had forgotten that Ellwood pissed off the management with the Defence Committee gig. Puts even more context in there and it could very easily all be crony-orchestrated briefing against.
There is a bit of background though - there were a few articles (ES was one, can't remember the others) a couple of weeks ago suggesting that she was one of the 'toxic' members of the cabinet and suggesting, among others, Ellwood as 'one for the future'. I doubt she shied away from the answer, but maybe the journo was thinking they'd get a printable reaction when they asked.