Once the local and European elections results are all out on Monday the eighth, we can expect Gordon Brown to try and launch a fight-back. Two predictable elements to it will be a reshuffle, designed to bind in those who could credibly wield the knife against him, and a constitutional reform package. As Prime Minister, Brown still has access to the Prime Ministerial bully pulpit, patronage and the ability to introduce legislation. The utility of these tools should not be underestimated.
But I wonder if any of Brown’s will have cut-through, whether the only story in town will be the leadership. If the Labour press were to decide Brown has to go because otherwise the party could die, Brown would be in dire trouble. The Tory press came to this view about IDS and that played a crucial role in him being forced out.
Certainly, Polly Toynbee’s column this morning subscribes to this line. She says of the Cabinet:
“I have no idea if a coup will happen, but if they let this moment slip, history will record this as the spineless cabinet that threw away Labour’s last chance.”
Comments