GILLIAN BATES

Diploma Head of Can Do Arts

By Katie Ross

What is the funniest (or rudest) piece of feedback you’ve had on your work?

Two stand out: ‘you are a fascist’ and ‘you are a communist.’ Plus many too obscene to print, often from MPs and along the lines of ‘F*** off you lying c***, I told you that off the record.’

What was your publication’s favourite post-print pub?

There was a Blackfriars Chinese restaurant Express hacks used to visit occasionally. During the ‘92 election campaign, a group, including the political team and news editor Mike Parry, were celebrating when Parry’s phone rang. He answered looking dumbfounded, turned to me, and said, ‘The Prime Minister wants to talk to you.’ I wasn’t quick enough to reply: ‘Not again, say I’ll call back,’ before the disbelief lifted and someone pointed out that the call was probably meant for the editor, Sir Nick Lloyd.