More clever positioning from the plotters
James Forsyth 6:42pm
One of the striking things about this uprising is how the plotters keep framing their positions perfectly—evidently some people in the Labour party haven’t forgotten what the party learned from Blair, Campbell and Mandelson. On Saturday, Joan Ryan presented her request for nomination papers as a matter of party democracy. Today, David Cairns’s resignation letter contains an argument that is going to resonate with an awful lot of the PLP. Cairns says that he wasn’t in favour of people requesting nomination papers in the first place, but now that the leadership issue is out in the open the Labour party cannot go on pretending it doesn’t exist.
Ultimately what might do for Brown is that there appears to be no way for him to stop the bleeding. He cannot reassert his authority unless he goes against his nature and does something bold like challenge anyone who is prepared to stand to a contest or turn the Glenrothes by-election into a referendum on his premiership. As time goes by, more and more Labour MP are going to feel like Cairns: regretful that this process has started but aware that Labour cannot go on like this for another 18 months.
Previous
Seasurfer1
September 16th, 2008 7:18pm Report this commentGordon Brown will falter as bitten by a Commodo Dragon- its only a matter of time.
Steve
September 16th, 2008 7:22pm Report this commentA bit off topic, but I found myself wondering this morning, just how big a window the Labour party has to get rid of Brown.
The clock is ticking down towards June 2010. Assuming A, a new leader will not go straight to the polls, and in spite of all the talk of "they must have an early GE", like Charles Moore I see no reason why that is the case. B, a new leader will not want to be seen to be clinging until the last possible date. Then I think that the window of opportunity is only the next 6 months or so. After that the new leader will be caught between not having been around long enough (say 10 months minimum)and not wanting to be seen to cling on until the last possible GE date.
If (and thats a biggun) Brown survives until early 09. I think he will still be there come the GE.
Pete, Scotland
September 16th, 2008 7:29pm Report this commentCouldn't help noticing the colour of his tie in the picture, true Labour.
This is a big contrast with the purple/mauve (a mixture of Labour red and Tory blue)colour that has been of choice for Brown for the past few years.
At least he is honest about his position.
There is a name for the shallow subliminal imaging that Brown has tried to portray, but I can't think what it is.
Any suggestions?
Speyside simon
September 16th, 2008 8:41pm Report this commentAs I read David Cairn's resignation letter, I thought what a gentleman he is...then I read the PM's reply and I couldn't help but utter meow!
Austin Barry
September 16th, 2008 9:01pm Report this commentIt's an intricate game by the dissenters: a move here, a move there. A cumulative plan of attack. Brown reacts with sackings and angry briefings against the plotters, while gripping his Cabinet by the short ones and sending them forth to mouth the party line: but they seem unconvinced and unconvincing. Brown's huge, implacable Easter Island head reveals nothing except baggy fatigue. A few more astute moves, perhaps one by a big player (Reid?) and Brown will go down suddenly, gasping for air through his Hollywood teeth and rictus jaw. The end for this odd, melancholic, humourless, toxic politician is coming - and we can hardly wait.
Dirty Euro
September 16th, 2008 9:32pm Report this commentThis is just a small revolt. The party need to keeop the leader beyond the recession. What is the ppoint in putting in new leader before a recession. :
Bart
September 16th, 2008 9:46pm Report this commentThank God some MPs in the Labour Party actually have the Balls to stand up and say the position is untenable. Speaking of Balls.. Harriet Harman said labour needed a PM with immense economic knowledge.....she'll be for Ed Balls then?
Pete, Scotland
September 16th, 2008 10:28pm Report this commentI think it is safe to say that Brown will make his conference speech.
The colour of his tie will tell you where he stands politically.
mac
September 16th, 2008 10:35pm Report this comment"This is just a small revolt". Revolts have a habit of burgeoning, especially when the reaction is stupidity. 'Dirty Euro' - I'm guessing that's the sagacious DES from Dale and Guido, is it?
Tim
September 16th, 2008 11:38pm Report this commentThe leader is not the issue. The country has had enough of Labour and wants an election. It doesn't matter who the leader is, they want labour out.
Man Botak @ Botak Chin
September 18th, 2008 8:43am Report this commentInteresting... Malaysia's PM seems to be undersieged too!
Back to top