Brown's a ditherer, says Straw
Peter Hoskin 12:25pm
Ok, so Jack Straw may not quite have used the word "ditherer", but here's what he has to say about the PM in a Channel 4 documentary, aired tomorrow: "[Brown is] someone who is cautious in his decision-making." Apparently, that's in stark contrast to Blair, who was "a much more instinctive decision-maker".
Jacqui Smith and the Labour deputy chief whip, Nick Brown, weigh in with their thoughts on the election-that-wasn't as well. They're less than kind. But Straw's words are the ones that will upset No.10 the most. Until now, he's been largely supportive of our Dear Leader - at least in public. So this represents the first real sign that he might be prepared to take on that caretaker leader role that many have earmarked for him.
I still think the wise money's on Brown hanging on until 2010. But when yet another leading minister attacks Brown's character, it's not unreasonable to think otherwise.
Previous
Commondog
June 8th, 2008 12:50pm Report this commentI'm no Brown fan (OK it's stronger than that: I want him out) and perhaps a little old-fashioned also, but I do quite like the idea of No. 10 being occupied by someone who displays caution.
Tiberius
June 8th, 2008 2:47pm Report this commentMmm... pity he wasn't a bit more cautious about the pensions raid, gold sale, etc, etc, etc, when in the Treasury.
Money men have to be cautious; leaders have to decisive. Brown seemingly lives Through The Looking Glass...
Max
June 8th, 2008 3:02pm Report this commentThe saying "Act in haste, regret at leisure" remains sound advice, as long as the act, when it eventually arrives, is correct.
I can see an argument in this case that many of our problems might have been avoided if Gordon Brown had dithered for much longer. Much, much longer.
Personal pensions, for example, would be in dramatically better shape today were Brown to be still deciding whether or not to remove $5 billion a year from their funds.
Just a thought.
Max
http://theerrorlog.blogspot.com
Silent Hunter
June 8th, 2008 3:21pm Report this commentWith friends like Jack Straw - who needs enemies? LOL
Isn't it ironic, don't you think, that 'Jack Straw' & 'Justice Secretary' can appear in the same sentence.
I can't think of a bigger control freak (apart from McBroon) in a government comprised largely of control freaks.
Could we just forget about a general election and have a GENERAL REVOLUTION instead!
Bernard from Horsham
June 8th, 2008 4:09pm Report this commentThe knives are sharpening for Gordon. Day by day people are hiniting uncharitably about him. If he loses the 42 days vote, methinks he will be toast.
Tina
June 8th, 2008 4:10pm Report this commentNever mind about the failing Labour party, what about Boris? He was brilliant on Marr this morning. Cameron better watch out Boris just keeps getting better and better.
Sal, London
June 8th, 2008 4:16pm Report this commentTina, totally agree. He was serious, inspiring and authoritative on the things he was talking about. Boris is geting better everyday.
John
June 8th, 2008 4:34pm Report this commentHave to agree with what has been said about Boris. He was good and really challenged Jacqui Smith at the end of the show, when they were sat on the sofa, about 42 days. Of course Marr came to her rescue, his bias is so blatent.
Tel
June 8th, 2008 4:46pm Report this commentBoris has exceeded all my expectations so far. On Marr he was sticking to true conservative principles in a modern setting. Go Boris!
Boris Fan
June 8th, 2008 4:49pm Report this commentBoris is doing a fantastic job and I do think is starting to out shine David Cameron. I just wish the media will give him a fair crack of the whip and stop trying to do him down.
Karen McCall
June 8th, 2008 5:01pm Report this commentAndrew Marr show, Politics show and the rolling coverage on News 24 of the so called 'Spelman nanny scandal', is more proof if any were needed that the BBC is propping up New Labour and Brown at any cost.
Kiel
June 8th, 2008 5:11pm Report this commentThe BBC are not even hiding the fact that they are now going all out to preserve this lousy government, disgusting. I hope Cameron, (if he gets in) will tackle the total bias shown by an organisation that is funded by the hard pressed taxpayer.
Nicholas
June 8th, 2008 5:42pm Report this commentSilent Hunter: "Isn't it ironic, don't you think, that 'Jack Straw' & 'Justice Secretary' can appear in the same sentence."
Not if you take the Orwellian, Terry Gilliam's 'Brazil' and East German circa 1960 connotations of Ministry of Justice. I would expect it to be run by a slimy weasel with a nice line in coercion and deceit.
Perry
June 8th, 2008 8:52pm Report this commentMz. Pru of Noo-Lying-Bores dithers? Never! She seemed pretty damned determined to flog the gold, raid the pension pots, steal taxes in every which way possible, oust Bliar, and clunkingly ‘fist’ anyone in her way.
As to Al-ja-Beeba, why, they’re just hanging in there, preserving the motley regime that keeps them in the style to which they have become so very accustomed. The fragrant oleaginous ‘interviewers’ [sic] are looking for their K’s – and more - in the Resignation Honours List.
Boris, - oh to have in place for number 10. [And one of my tests of his worth, as it was for MoL, is that pollytwaddle and all the other elite metro champagne swillers would already be squawking from the house tops.]
David C
June 9th, 2008 9:55am Report this commentI commented that authority and credibility were ebbing from Brown's premiership.
Somebody else asked a highly pertinent question,
'what does a minister have to do to get the sack?'.
This is the Justice Minister, the Home Secretary and the Deputy Chief Whip.
I can only think the reason that the Parliamentary Labour Party doesn't shove Brown out the window of No.10 is that they are hiding behind him (and plotting).
With Labour taken to record lows in the polls, the Government unable to gain credit for legislation that the public ostensibly supports (42 Days) and dire performances in the Commons, respect for Brown is in short supply. He will be kept in place only to provide a distraction while the business of power is decided.
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