James Forsyth James Forsyth

Rebellion is in the air

As ever, Martin Bright’s column in the New Statesman is well worth reading. Here’s the key paragraph:

“Brown and his poll-obsessed allies may find some comfort in the latest figures, but there is rebellion in the air. It is important to remember that he does not have the authority of an electoral mandate to face down backbenchers who defy him. His authority is based largely on economic competence and a reputation for knowing how to win elections, and on both counts it has been seeping away.”

I’d also add that Brown and his allies have no moral authority when they demand that the party rallies behind its leader. Add all this together and things could get very interesting if Labour loses London and does badly on May 1st.

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