Monday, September 29, 2008
No authority
Gordon Brown's attempt last week to reassert his authority as Prime Minister has had some success in reducing the Tories' lead in the opinion polls. However, all that work is under threat this week not as a result of the Conservative Party Conference but rather the internal shenanigans of the Labour Party.
Yesterday's Sunday Times reports that the PM's plans for a cabinet reshuffle on Friday are in disarray as it emerged that a string of ministers could resign if they are moved:
Downing Street sources say that Brown is likely to put off a reshuffle again amid fears that attempts to switch key figures could backfire dramatically.
His allies argue that it would be inappropriate to focus on the make-up of the cabinet at a time of economic crisis. But insiders say attempts to change the frontbench team have become even more fraught since the Labour party conference, leaving the prime minister desperate to buy time.
Among the figures who have made it known through friends that they do not want to change posts are Alistair Darling, the chancellor, David Mili-band, the foreign secretary, and Alan Johnson, the health secretary. James Purnell, the work and pensions secretary, is said to have been stung by a whispering campaign that he could be demoted and has told allies that he would quit rather than accept a less powerful role.
Since the conference, it has also become clear that Brown risks a backlash if he demotes or sacks Hazel Blears, the communities secretary, who gave a stellar performance in Manchester and is emerging as one of the most popular figures with rank-and-file members.
Any idea that Gordon Brown is in full control of both the Country and his own party is clearly undermined by this story. If it is true then he may well be standing in a metaphorical corner with his back against the wall even as I type.
Yesterday's Sunday Times reports that the PM's plans for a cabinet reshuffle on Friday are in disarray as it emerged that a string of ministers could resign if they are moved:
Downing Street sources say that Brown is likely to put off a reshuffle again amid fears that attempts to switch key figures could backfire dramatically.
His allies argue that it would be inappropriate to focus on the make-up of the cabinet at a time of economic crisis. But insiders say attempts to change the frontbench team have become even more fraught since the Labour party conference, leaving the prime minister desperate to buy time.
Among the figures who have made it known through friends that they do not want to change posts are Alistair Darling, the chancellor, David Mili-band, the foreign secretary, and Alan Johnson, the health secretary. James Purnell, the work and pensions secretary, is said to have been stung by a whispering campaign that he could be demoted and has told allies that he would quit rather than accept a less powerful role.
Since the conference, it has also become clear that Brown risks a backlash if he demotes or sacks Hazel Blears, the communities secretary, who gave a stellar performance in Manchester and is emerging as one of the most popular figures with rank-and-file members.
Any idea that Gordon Brown is in full control of both the Country and his own party is clearly undermined by this story. If it is true then he may well be standing in a metaphorical corner with his back against the wall even as I type.
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"Hazel Blears, the communities secretary, who gave a stellar performance in Manchester and is emerging as one of the most popular figures with rank-and-file members"
- yet another sign that the remaining rank and file Labour members have completely lost touch with reality...
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- yet another sign that the remaining rank and file Labour members have completely lost touch with reality...
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