The latest revelations from the Anthony Seldon book reveal just how much Tony Blair was weakened by his diminished majority following the 2005 election. The Times reports that not only was Blair forced to abandon his plans to reform the Treasury and possibly move Gordon Brown, but also saw John Prescott and others thwarting his reshuffle plans.
This exchange between Blair and Brown reveals how Blair was incapable of getting his way even on relatively minor personnel issues: Blair had decided that he was going to move in on the Treasury appointments. ‘Isn’t it at last time to sack Dawn Primarolo [the Treasury minister, now Minister for Public Health]?’ Blair asked him. Brown reacted strongly to protect her. According to one official, their conversation followed the typical pattern at the time. ‘The Prime Minister would start off the conversation on the front foot and Gordon would respond simply by saying ‘F off’. Blair said he wanted his own nominee, John Hutton, to become Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Brown flatly refused, considering it an affront as Hutton was such a Blairite. He also rejected John Denham for the job. ‘I thought you said you [would] consult me over the whole government. You promised me. So this is it?’ said an indignant Brown.
“‘Gordon, it’s got to be my reshuffle,’ Blair responded. ‘I am the Prime Minister.’ Needless to say, Primarolo stayed in post.
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