Who will be the new Chief Whip?

Matthew Blott

Nick Brown is certainly more a Brown man than Hoon but a bruiser ain't what his colleagues would describe him as. I understand he's pretty ineffective at admonishing wayward MPs who see him as a bit of a pushover.

mac

I get the impression that Brown's preferred method of disciplining those who don't follow his diktat is nefarious hole in the corner smearing and unsavoury rumour-spreading by his willing aides.

Austin Barry

Despite his slightly sinister lisp and having overseen the 'whacking' and incineration of thousands of innocent beasts during the foot and mouth outbreak, Nick Brown is an affable cove. But he is very close to McBroon and this knowledge will give his mild cajoling some weight, at least for the moment and on a diminishing basis. These are Gordon's dying days and he is thrashing about as the light declines. Were it not so funny it would be quite sad.

Pat

Browne is indecisive and relies upon his close relationship with the PM.

His dreadful performance during the Foot and Mouth outbreak was saved by the intervention of the Army who showed how to organise and lead from the front and act decisively.

He is not an affable cove. He is a nasty piece of work and is no doubt part of the Brown team discrediting loyal Party members who have had the temerity to voice concerns over the direction and leadership of Gordon Brown.

caloodo

Nick Brown is anything but a bruiser. although definitley a thorough brownite.

There is a real problem at the moment with journalists with no real connection or understanding of labour or labour figures, pontificating on events outside of their knowledge or insight.

The ruth kelly thing is another example.

molesworth 1

I think it'll be between Nick Brown (who unfailingly reminds of Alan B'stard's fish-faced little sidekick) & Tony McNulty, of whom you'd really think twice about getting on the wrong side.

Oscar

The most compelling story of the Labour conference was the final flushing out and humiliation of any residual Blairism and Blairites. The long march to demonise and destroy their careers is almost complete. Hoon (a former Blairite) will be shunted off to Europe and no doubt some Brown bruiser will be ensconced to maintain the silence of the Blair lambs. The big 'all the talents' tent has been dismantled. A sinister new phase is about to start.

Paul Linford

I don't for a moment think he'll get it, but Dick Caborn would be an interesting leftfield choice.

Tankus

Is this how its going to end for brown?, as cabinet members with a bit more limited ability) leave one after another , once they have set up a sty outside politics to keep their swill flowing into the personal trough.
The elections will be a terminal cull for most ...The apple sauce will just flow from the electorate ...........The air will just smell of a full english , .........with extra toast

My bet , in a years time Gordon will be reduced to raiding London zoo monkey house for cabinet replacements, such is his lack of choice (might cause a minor brown bounce as ministerial quality improves)

The party is too weak to get rid of him , and too bereft of ability to replace him.
Gordon will have his place in history .... Gordon the last !

David C

If we can all consult the Ouija board, what about Denis McShane in from the cold?

Frank Pulley

"Who will be the new Chief Whip?"

Deidre from that dungeon in Earl's Court. Ask Max Mosely - he has the telephone number.

JohnAnt

It seems a shame to wear out a new Chief Whip for what will be such a short final period of office for the current PM. Can't he just get a used one?