Labour gets ready to go, but cabinet remains divided on timing
James Forsyth 1:34pm
The chances of an autumn poll just increased with the news that Labour is hiring key election staff. Now, this doesn’t mean Gordon is definitely going but it does show that he wants to keep the option open. Oddly enough, I think this is quite good news for David Cameron: if he has a good conference and there isn’t an election, he’ll be able to claim credit for frightening Brown off.
Interestingly enough, cabinet ministers are now openly weighing in on whether Gordon should go to the country this year or not. Hazel Blears is, unsurprisingly, in favour and full of enthusiasm: “When’s the election? Who knows? But I say – let’s go!” While Alan Johnson is against, telling Michael White, “Remember 1970.”
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Comments
Tiberius
September 27th, 2007 3:14pmBut are the phone lines going in aswell? Or is that now just soooo '90s?
Oscar Miller
September 27th, 2007 4:32pmI don't think there's anything interesting about the cabinet weighing in on election speculation. They've been briefed to do it - something they are actually allowed to debate - heaven forbid they actually debate policy. I'm convinced the election stuff is one big show to keep news of Labour's poll 'bounce' alive and kicking and to overshadow and embarrass the Conservatives during their conference. It means the media will turn every interview next week onto the election and Labour not Tories will be setting the agenda. Brown has a 101 ways to look 'strong' when the 2007 election doesn't materialise - he can spin it as being confident his poll lead will increase (I've already heard some Labour ministers doing this) - and he's the kind of strong steady guy who doesn't need to rush to the country. Brown is a trickster - and I think this is another of his tactical tricks.