McGlinchey in the News

Why It’s Important To Fully And Quickly Release Results Of ‘Partygate’ Investigations

January 28, 2022

Boston Member Jack Siegal was quoted on Jan. 28, 2022 in a Forbes article that details growing speculation over the degree to which details of investigations into British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s COVID-era parties will be released publicly.

“Depending on the nature of a scandal and its impact on the credibility of the involved parties, it is important, to the extent possible, to disclose investigation results to regain/maintain the confidence of constituents, investors, and the public at large.

“In overly simple terms, it may not be advisable to go full, unadulterated disclosure for potential liability reasons. However, where possible, taking control of the messaging during a crisis can potentially mitigate a disastrous situation. Not doing so risks further loss of confidence and credibility. Albeit, every situation is different and requires its own unique analysis.

“Here in the U.S., the National Football League’s Washington Football Team went through an investigation that led to the discovery of emails that ended a coach’s career. Questions about the thoroughness of the investigation and its focus, however, spawned Congressional inquiry and public doubt about its bias.

“Business leaders should, to the extent feasible, have third-party professionals at the ready in the event of a controversy, to step in immediately and manage the situation. Internal mechanisms should also be in place to preserve evidence and ensure information integrity. The process writ large should be transparent, cooperative and not outcome-determinative, absent extraordinary circumstances,” he recommended.

Click here to read the full article.