With the pressure mounting on Gordon Brown, it is inevitable that there will be a concerted attack on the Prime Minister after the Local and European elections. So the question remains, who will be the first senior Labour MP that attempts to stick the knife in?
More that likely it will be Hazel Blears, there is an almost personal feud between the PM and the poisoned chipmunk. But the attack might not be that vicious, by now she is almost considered damaged goods.
However, if Gordon Brown plays a bad hand with his cabinet reshuffle it could be even worse. If he does not handle the position of Chancellor well, he could create a monster in Alistair Darling. Even today Gordon Brown talked about Mr Darling and his achievements in the past tense. This certainly does not bode well for the badgered-eyebrow one.
Geoffrey Howe damned Margaret Thatcher by claiming "It is rather like sending your opening batsmen to the crease only for them to find, the moment the first balls are bowled, that their bats have been broken before the game by the team captain."
But by sacking Mr Darling, it is more like sending your opening batsmen to the crease only for them to find, the moment the first balls are bowled, that their opening bowler is your captain.
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
MIA - Purnell, Miliband and Johnson
With the creeping certainty that Gordon Brown will not survive the year, his main rivals for the leadership of the Labour Party have been notable by their absence. Messages from Geoff Hoon, Jacqui Smith and Andy Burnham have been ringing in the ears of any reporter willing to listen. But where is Alan Johnson's, James Purnell's and David Miliband's support for the ailing PM.
Unsurprisingly their voices are not to be heard, they are waiting in the wings, waiting for the opportunity to begin a contentious leadership battle. With the BBC reporting that the Gordon Brown 'must go letter' has received the support of 80 Labour MPs, it is now inevitable that there will be a leadership challenge.
Either that, or Gordon Brown has undertaken a Stalinist Purge to eliminate all his rivals. But I suppose that would be too decisive. His rivals would have a chance to pack, have a leaving do and exchange their money before fleeing the country.
Unsurprisingly their voices are not to be heard, they are waiting in the wings, waiting for the opportunity to begin a contentious leadership battle. With the BBC reporting that the Gordon Brown 'must go letter' has received the support of 80 Labour MPs, it is now inevitable that there will be a leadership challenge.
Either that, or Gordon Brown has undertaken a Stalinist Purge to eliminate all his rivals. But I suppose that would be too decisive. His rivals would have a chance to pack, have a leaving do and exchange their money before fleeing the country.
Breaking News - No Confidence Letter
According to John Pienaar on BBC Five Live, there is a letter that is circulating around all Labour Party MPs calling for a vote of No confidence in Gordon Brown's Premiership. This was supposed to remain private at least until after the polls close in tomorrow's elections.
This is further to the news that many media sources that Gordon Brown will not be Prime Minister at the end of next week...
Whether it is a vote of No confidence or a straight leadership challenge, it seems hard to believe that just a cabinet reshuffle will placate the growing calls for immediate change.
Hazel Blears' quick resignation seems to be going to plan. But who will the MP be that falls on their own sword and challenges Mr Brown for party leadership? History teaches us that the challenger never ultimately wins... Et tu Brute?
This is further to the news that many media sources that Gordon Brown will not be Prime Minister at the end of next week...
Whether it is a vote of No confidence or a straight leadership challenge, it seems hard to believe that just a cabinet reshuffle will placate the growing calls for immediate change.
Hazel Blears' quick resignation seems to be going to plan. But who will the MP be that falls on their own sword and challenges Mr Brown for party leadership? History teaches us that the challenger never ultimately wins... Et tu Brute?
The Second of Many - Hazel Blears Resigns
Hazel Blears has made her move, she has resigned at the point to gain as much exposure for herself whilst attempting to damage Gordon Brown as much as possible.
Here is her resignation statement:
"Today I have told the prime minister that I am resigning from the Government.
Here is her resignation statement:
"Today I have told the prime minister that I am resigning from the Government.
"My politics has always been rooted in the belief that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things, given the right support and encouragement.
"The role of a progressive Government should be to pass power to the people. I've never sought high office for the sake of it, or for what I can gain, but for what I can achieve for the people I represent and serve.
"In this next phase of my political life I am redoubling my efforts to speak up for the people of Salford as their Member of Parliament. I am returning to the grassroots (where I began), to political activism, to the cut and thrust of political debate.
"Most of all I want to help the Labour Party to reconnect with the British people, to remind them that our values are their values, that their hopes and dreams are ours too.
"I am glad to be going home to the people who matter the most to me: the people of Salford.
"Finally, there's an important set of elections tomorrow. My message is simple: get out and vote Labour."
Touching, isn't it? I wonder if she will get her knife from Gordon Brown's back as well.Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Home Secretary latest odds...
The initial odds for the Home Secretary position are
The best odds are probably David Miliband at 12/1 or James Purnell at 8/1. It would make a lot of sense for Gordon Brown to place his closest rivals for the leadership of the Labour Party in the one department where the Sword of Damocles hangs over all its residents and falls eventually.
The best odds are probably David Miliband at 12/1 or James Purnell at 8/1. It would make a lot of sense for Gordon Brown to place his closest rivals for the leadership of the Labour Party in the one department where the Sword of Damocles hangs over all its residents and falls eventually.
Jacqui Smith Has Gone... Hoorah...
It has been reported by various media outlets that Jacqui Smith asked to be relinquished of her duties as Home Secretary over two months ago. Combined with the news that three further Labour MPs are stepping down at the next general election, this is indeed a dark day for the Government.
It was not so much a straw that broke the camel's back, more of an avalanche. Let's have a quick review:
It was not so much a straw that broke the camel's back, more of an avalanche. Let's have a quick review:
- The pre-charge detention limits for terrorism suspects
- The arrest of Damian Green
- The loss of crucial data from most of her sub departments
- Rejecting scientific evidence in favour of political motives
- Supporting the National ID card
- The pay row between the police and government
- Ignoring the European Court of Human Rights' decision concerning DNA and fingerprints of people with no criminal record
- The expenses claim that her main residence was her sisters house, not her constituency home
- Claiming for porn films on expenses (claiming she believes herself to be vindicated)
Revolutionary Leader
David Cameron has recently been championing himself as the revolutionary leader that will have the will and stomach to undertake the radical reforms that the public are demanding for at Westminster. There are two observations that can be made from this claim:
- Never trust a leader who wants power, but then is willing to relinquish it almost immediately. Tony Blair made similar fanciful claims when he was Opposition Leader.
- The tactic being employed by the Conservatives is a simple one, 'what ever the public wants'. This is a very dangerous strategy, without any defining ideology to guide their hand the Conservatives will potentially get backed into a corner of conflicting public opinion. Just do not mention the EU.
The Night of the Long Knives
With a humiliating defeat in the European and Council elections on the cards for the Labour party, pressure is going to increase exponentially on Gordon Brown to call a General Election. The calls will almost be deafening. How will Gordon Brown survive?
He will stave off press speculation and public opinion like many of his predecessors by a cabinet reshuffle. Thus almost blaming the cabinet for the failures of the current government. That's wonderfully called 'collective responsibility'.
Gordon Brown's enemies are surrounding him, slowly but surely in the dark corners of the PLP, Labour is still crucially split along old divisions. Not divisions such as Old and New Labour, that one has been laid to rest long ago, but the Brownites and Blairites. Mr Brown will want all his allies close, in important positions, this is not the time for heeding the Godfather's advice about keeping you enemies closer, in this current climate the PM will form a 'Kitchen Cabinet' with his closest political allies.
It is obvious that Gordon Brown will purge his Cabinet of ministers that could threaten his leadership, with the exception of the poison chalices of the Home Office and Justice Ministry which it is possible to expect James Purnell and David Miliband to fall on their swords at. Also a possibility is that Mr Brown could use the re-shuffle to follow the populist route and exercise the ghost of the Bliarite era; Hazel Blears, Alan Johnson and John Hutton.
With Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper being promoted to senior positions in Mr Brown's 'Kitchen Cabinet' the purge will be complete and Gordon Brown might survive until next year, but a week is a long time in politics, let alone a year.
It will be interesting which story the Daily Telegraph chooses to publish on Thursday morning, it could provide an intriguing insight into the paper's motives and agenda. But it should be easy to guess.
He will stave off press speculation and public opinion like many of his predecessors by a cabinet reshuffle. Thus almost blaming the cabinet for the failures of the current government. That's wonderfully called 'collective responsibility'.
Gordon Brown's enemies are surrounding him, slowly but surely in the dark corners of the PLP, Labour is still crucially split along old divisions. Not divisions such as Old and New Labour, that one has been laid to rest long ago, but the Brownites and Blairites. Mr Brown will want all his allies close, in important positions, this is not the time for heeding the Godfather's advice about keeping you enemies closer, in this current climate the PM will form a 'Kitchen Cabinet' with his closest political allies.
It is obvious that Gordon Brown will purge his Cabinet of ministers that could threaten his leadership, with the exception of the poison chalices of the Home Office and Justice Ministry which it is possible to expect James Purnell and David Miliband to fall on their swords at. Also a possibility is that Mr Brown could use the re-shuffle to follow the populist route and exercise the ghost of the Bliarite era; Hazel Blears, Alan Johnson and John Hutton.
With Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper being promoted to senior positions in Mr Brown's 'Kitchen Cabinet' the purge will be complete and Gordon Brown might survive until next year, but a week is a long time in politics, let alone a year.
It will be interesting which story the Daily Telegraph chooses to publish on Thursday morning, it could provide an intriguing insight into the paper's motives and agenda. But it should be easy to guess.
Friday, 29 May 2009
Cold War... Ah, the good old days
There have been many calls, in various media outlets, for Britain to involve themselves in the process of arbitration between North Korea and the rest of the world. At best, this is nonsensical and arrogant: at worst, dangerously naive and just plain foolish.
The news has just been released that North Korea has fired its sixth short range missile since Monday, combined with the underground nuclear test. These are potentially desperate times.
North Korea has seemingly shocked the world with its audacity and unpredictable nature. But it needs to be understood that the world has moved on since the end of the Cold War, North Korea has not. They still play by the hard and fast rules of world diplomacy that were developed in the period between the end of the Second World War and 1991; that of brinkmanship, sabre rattling and shows of strength that gain diplomatic leverage.
This 'hard-ball' diplomacy has worked well for Kim Jong-il, and his father Kim Il-sung, no other country has gained so many concessions from the US by threatening posture and behaviour. No other country can demand so much attention from China and Japan.
It needs to be understood that the 'Greater Leader' considers these tactics successful, and like all Pavlovian dogs the more attention and concessions that the international community give; the foreign policy tactic is reinforced in North Korea.
Only China can demand change in North Korea, but they fear a humanitarian crisis could force millions of refugees across the mutual border. A crisis that China neither needs nor can afford.
British involvement should be limited to supporting China, Japan, Russia, the US and South Korea, just because there is no added value in the British interjection.
The news has just been released that North Korea has fired its sixth short range missile since Monday, combined with the underground nuclear test. These are potentially desperate times.
North Korea has seemingly shocked the world with its audacity and unpredictable nature. But it needs to be understood that the world has moved on since the end of the Cold War, North Korea has not. They still play by the hard and fast rules of world diplomacy that were developed in the period between the end of the Second World War and 1991; that of brinkmanship, sabre rattling and shows of strength that gain diplomatic leverage.
This 'hard-ball' diplomacy has worked well for Kim Jong-il, and his father Kim Il-sung, no other country has gained so many concessions from the US by threatening posture and behaviour. No other country can demand so much attention from China and Japan.
It needs to be understood that the 'Greater Leader' considers these tactics successful, and like all Pavlovian dogs the more attention and concessions that the international community give; the foreign policy tactic is reinforced in North Korea.
Only China can demand change in North Korea, but they fear a humanitarian crisis could force millions of refugees across the mutual border. A crisis that China neither needs nor can afford.
British involvement should be limited to supporting China, Japan, Russia, the US and South Korea, just because there is no added value in the British interjection.
Shock, Horror: MPs stay until next Pay Day!
It should come as no surprise to anyone that the MPs that have been forced to stand down, due to public opinion, have decided to remain in their positions until the next election. These MPs have defined themselves by their arrogant money grabbing actions.
Douglas Hogg, Peter Viggers, Anthony Steen, Andrew McKay, Nicholas Winterton, Ben Chapman, Ian McCarthney, Julie Kirkbride and Margaret Moran have all committed themselves to stepping down at the next general election, with most claiming that they are staying for continuity reasons.
But it is a very decent bet that if these MPs were allowed to claim all the benefits that they would receive for stepping down at a general election, for stepping down and forcing a by-election, the public would not see them for dust.
For a leopard to change its spots is like asking Boris Johnson to be quiet and not offend a nation, city, religious or ethnic group every time he opens his mouth. Impossible...
At the risk of sounding repetitious, most of these MPs are 'career politicians' who have been placed into constituencies due to the safe nature of the seat. They act as a party spokesperson in the constituency, as opposed to representing the people of constituency.
With seven out of ten constituencies being considered 'safe', there needs to be considerable reform of the selection process.
Douglas Hogg, Peter Viggers, Anthony Steen, Andrew McKay, Nicholas Winterton, Ben Chapman, Ian McCarthney, Julie Kirkbride and Margaret Moran have all committed themselves to stepping down at the next general election, with most claiming that they are staying for continuity reasons.
But it is a very decent bet that if these MPs were allowed to claim all the benefits that they would receive for stepping down at a general election, for stepping down and forcing a by-election, the public would not see them for dust.
For a leopard to change its spots is like asking Boris Johnson to be quiet and not offend a nation, city, religious or ethnic group every time he opens his mouth. Impossible...
At the risk of sounding repetitious, most of these MPs are 'career politicians' who have been placed into constituencies due to the safe nature of the seat. They act as a party spokesperson in the constituency, as opposed to representing the people of constituency.
With seven out of ten constituencies being considered 'safe', there needs to be considerable reform of the selection process.
Thursday, 28 May 2009
EU: Self Help Or Self Harm?
The MPs have really done it this time; they have eroded public trust, including their political capital and have brought unprecedented levels of scrutiny on all Members of Parliament. But the consequences of their actions (money grabbing) go much further...
Possibly the most hard hit of all institutions, because of the MPs' expenses scandal, will be the impact upon the EU. Not just in terms of a vote against all major parties, a bloody nose of sorts for what the public consider a betrayal of trust, but for the institution of the EU Parliament.
MPs have erode their own political capital, not so much the political capital of Parliament as an institution, the concept of the House of Commons is firmly ingrained in the consciousness of the British public. In which most realise that it is the MPs and their expenses which need reform, rather than a major overhaul of the institution itself.
However, the European Parliament can not afford a scandal; the institution has little perceived political capital in the eyes of the general public. This institution has its own expenses scandal waiting to explode, but there will be fewer people willing to promote it once it does.
The major issue that the EU Parliament faces is one of self promotion, it has more vocal detractors than supporters, and it seems almost embarrassed to publicize it successes. Without public knowledge of the many success of the EU Parliament, many will continue to believe the crazy, Daily Mail/Express stories. For the anti-EU lobby ignorance is bliss.
If the EU Parliament wishes to have more support across Europe it must develop a culture of self promotion, shout about the success stories, make themselves relevant to people's lives. Maybe use some of the money saved on MEP's expenses to advertise itself.
Churchill vs BNP
The BNP have again used the crudest of publicity stunts to gain more political attention. After last weeks revelation that the Jesus supports the BNP, which has to be a new low even for them, they are attempting to claim another historic figure with similar success.
Now they are attempting to 'stand on the shoulders of giants' by using Winston Churchill to promote their deluded cause. If history teaches us anything is that Churchill fought a bloody war so that the people of Britain could live in a country that was not ruled by a fascist party. Ironic really...
Now they are attempting to 'stand on the shoulders of giants' by using Winston Churchill to promote their deluded cause. If history teaches us anything is that Churchill fought a bloody war so that the people of Britain could live in a country that was not ruled by a fascist party. Ironic really...
A Rake's (MP's) Progress
The Heir
Our MP is considering running for Parliament.
He has all the best intentions. Public service is a noble cause.
The Levee
Sadly our MP starts getting involved with
some bad eggs, and starts frequenting houses of ill repute. No, not the Commons and the Lords!
The Arrest
The Media start to pester our Hero MP after revelations are leaked concerning his private life. Apparently he charged to expenses a summer home for ducks, a second home (which in fact was his first home, but then to avoid CGT he switched) and some ladies of the night.
The Marriage
In an attempt to win back the hearts and minds of his constituency, our MP goes on a charm offensive, a high profile marriage to a z list celebrity. Sadly what works for
The cheeky MP claims that the public is just “jealous” of his fabulous life and wealth. He has a house that looks like
The Gaming House
After being ordered, by his party leader, to pay back all the money he gained from his second home. Our MP, broke and his reputation in tatters, tries to win back his fortune at the casino and bookies.
A MP’s annual wage of £64,000 just is not enough to live off. These are hard times. Especially if a tin of dog food costs £4.50.
The Prison
Our MP walks a very well worn path from politics to prison. He is imprisoned for four years for perjury and perverting the course of justice, for a trial that was 12 years ago. What are the chances of that happening.
The Madhouse
Oh well, there is always the House of Lords…
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
All time Top Five Political Quotes...
“I must remind the Right Honourable Gentleman that a monologue is not a decision.” – Attlee to Churchill 1945
“He could not see a belt without hitting below it.” – Margot Asquith on Lloyd George
“There are two problems in my life. The political ones are insoluble and the economic ones are incomprehensible.” – Sir Alec Douglas-Home
“A fool and his money are soon elected.” – Will Rogers
“Government, even in its best state, is a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one. Government, like dress, is a badge of lost innocence; the palaces of kings are built upon the ruins of the bowers of paradise.” – Thomas Paine 1776
“He could not see a belt without hitting below it.” – Margot Asquith on Lloyd George
“There are two problems in my life. The political ones are insoluble and the economic ones are incomprehensible.” – Sir Alec Douglas-Home
“A fool and his money are soon elected.” – Will Rogers
“Government, even in its best state, is a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one. Government, like dress, is a badge of lost innocence; the palaces of kings are built upon the ruins of the bowers of paradise.” – Thomas Paine 1776
Cameron salutes 'Girl Power'
It seems that David Cameron is really taking to heart the serious lessons of 1997; first it was the borrowing of the New Labour manifesto, now it is the teachings of the sage-like Spice Girls and ‘girl power’.
Even though Mr Cameron has introduced the media friendly, yet wholly vacuous policy of ‘people power’, he has still shied away from true reform of the political system – the House of Lords. Many political commentators have recently called for many reforms of the
Has the public missed something, has Parliament secretly passed a law that made the House of Lords the sacred cow of British politics, that no one is allowed to mention? Or is it a mad old uncle that everyone knows exists, but is too embarrassed to talk to them, just in case they say something controversial and there is a faint scent of wee?
Reform of the Upper House is the perfect opportunity to increase scrutiny and transparency, whilst at the same time affording Parliament greater credibility as the home of a true democracy. Reforms such as electing its members (this can not be that hard most other countries are doing it and they seem to be coping with the stress), and revoking the Parliament Act, which allows the government to bully bills through into law without consent of the Upper House.
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