Brown should embrace the fight over the Union

Labour appears split over whether or not it wants a referendum on Scottish independence, Wendy Alexander is in favour but Gordon appears to be against. But I actually think Gordon should want such a referendum as it provides him with an opportunity, albeit a risky one, to get back on track.

Here’s my thinking:

1). The pro-Union forces would win: The latest poll shows that only one in four voters support independence and being associated with a winning side would be good for Brown right now.

2). It would allow Brown

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What will Cameron tell his MPs?

As Boulton & Co. are reporting, Cameron's marshalling his MPs for a meeting this evening - "all must attend", apparently.  As things go, it's hardly earth-shattering news. But it's a nice insight into the Team Cameron approach, nonetheless.  What will be said?  Sky's source summarises the message as "We're in for the long haul. Mustn't get complacent".  With the Crewe & Nantwich by-election only a couple of weeks away, such pep-talks could pay dividends.

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Another victory for Cameron at PMQs

Another good show from Cameron and dismal one from Brown. Perhaps I’m growing too sensitised to this, but his half-truths and (in this case) outright lies really jump out at me. Cameron seemed to mock him dismissively – perhaps worse than attacking him. Here are my highlights.

Cameron started with “Bendy Wendy” and her well-documented support for a referendum on Scottish independence. “That is not what she has said,” said Brown. Cameron at least had the quote handy – though he missed out the crucial “it’s time for him to put...

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Should the Tories throw Brown a lifeline at PMQs?

Tories should today hope that David Cameron gets panned in Prime Minister's Questions. Hope that Brown scores a resounding success, and leaves with the applause of all Labour MPs ringing in his ears. The longer he clings to No10, the larger the next Tory majority will be. He is the single greatest weapon Cameron has.  Tories may delight in today's Populus poll, but now that Brown-bashing has become a national sport do they want anyone else at the Despatch Box at noon on a Wednesday? Now is the time to throw Brown the lifeline he needs. To bomb. To lose Crewe. I have said before that I can't see a mechanism for him to go. But the way things are going, Labour may not care. If they can't find a way, they'll make one.

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Give Brown another kicking

A few people have mentioned this in various comment sections, but I thought I'd give it its own post.  Madame Tussauds are holding a vote on whether they should make a Gordon Brown waxwork.  Go and have your say.  It's democracy in action. 

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