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Ministers set to quit as pressure grows on PM
Joe Murphy and Paul Waugh15 Sep 2008
Three ministers and a string of ministerial aides are poised to quit as Labour rebels unleash a fresh wave of attacks on Gordon Brown.
A leading dissident told the Standard today that a Minister of State, a junior minister and several Parliamentary Private Secretaries are set to resign in a bid to oust the Prime Minister.
Another Minister of State - an office ranked just below the Cabinet - said he was waiting until after the party conference in Manchester this weekend to decide whether to sacrifice his career.
Downing Street today said Barry Gardiner, the Brent MP who warned that Mr Brown was now an international embarrassment, had been sacked from his post as his forestry envoy. But Mr Gardiner immediately issued a statement declaring that he had quit the post.
Another former minister broke cover today to call for a leadership contest. Writing exclusively in the Standard, Janet Anderson said Labour was still popular with the voters but Mr Brown was not.
Government whips were hoping that the leadership challenge was fizzling out, but Ms Anderson's intervention-came as ministers considered their positions-"They're discussing it with their families and partners right now to work out the timing," one source said. A clutch of PPSs is also set to resign.
The Minister of State who is considering quitting today told the Standard: "For the leadership to present this debate as just a dozen disaffected people is just ridiculous. By far the biggest group of Labour MPs, in my experience, is people who think he must go - and the only question that divides them is when."
George Howarth, MP for Knowsley North and a former Home Office minister, today stepped up the attacks, claiming "people have just stopped listening" to Mr Brown. He told Sky News: "I'm saying to any colleague, 'You can't just close your eyes and hope it will go away'."
When Mr Brown ousted Tony Blair in 2006, his allies used similar tactics to try to build up pressure on the then premier.
Graham Stringer, a former Cabinet Office minister who has written to call for a leadership contest, said: "Whether it's next week, after the Scottish [Glenrothes] byelection or next June's Euro elections, it is inevitable there will be a challenge."
Stephen Hughes, Labour Euro-MP for the North-East, said: "For the sake of the party there is an argument he should hand over to an alternative leader," he told The Journal newspaper. "But there is no guarantee that the party would start to pick up."
The big question for many MPs was whether the Left-wing Campaign group would use its numbers to help trigger a contest. So far, few of them are ready to back Blairites such as Siobhan McDonagh, who kicked off the rebellion last week.
Left-wing MP Ronnie Campbell attacked the plotters as "stupid", adding: "It is a world recession and Miliband hasn't got any magic answers and neither has anybody else in the Labour Party."
Labour suffered a weekend of turmoil after junior whip Ms McDonagh and vicechairman Joan Ryan were both sacked after urging a leadership election.
Senior party figures indicated the Cabinet will stay loyal to Mr Brown until after the party conference, but that a disastrous result in the Glenrothes by-election could mean unrest spreading.
A meeting of Labour's ruling National Executive tomorrow will see rebels press for nomination papers - effectively inviting a contest - to be sent to all MPs.
A former assistant general secretary of the Labour Party today said that the leadership was flouting the rule book to save the PM's job. David Evans said that nomination papers should have been issued to all MPs. But allies of Mr Brown insisted that the rules were not being broken.
It would take 70 nominations for a named candidate to begin the formal process, an almost impossible hurdle.
Cabinet ministers John Hutton and Mr Miliband both refused to condemn those calling for a leadership debate.
WHAT NEXT?
It took four years for Michael Heseltine to unseat Margaret Thatcher - but Labour's rebels have just nine months to oust Gordon Brown before the next election gets too close. Here are the key battles ahead:
Nominations: Tomorrow's National Executive will debate whether to invite nominations for a new leader. There is no candidate - it is a device to highlight the "no change, no chance" argument.
Conference: The PM will aim to make the speech of his life. But MPs recall ex-Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith achieved 17 standing ovations in his speech and was still deposed weeks later.
Glenrothes by-election: No date fixed yet but most Labour MPs think they will lose, which could trigger senior figures to go public against the PM.
Cabinet reshuffle: Brown's big chance to stamp his authority and perhaps bind in key figures like Jack Straw and David Miliband.
Pre-Budget Report and Budget: Two dazzling packages from the Chancellor would revive Labour spirits. But forecasts may be dire. A successful Queen's Speech in December would help.
Local and European Elections: A super-Thursday on 4 June next year is the most dangerous moment for Brown. Sweeping defeats in heartlands, as happened this year, would make a Cabinet revolt more likely.
Reader views (29)
I think the thing that I dislike more than everything is the feeling that this government is out of touch with all sections of society . They seem more concerned with their own petty little fiefdoms and things like their salary, pensions, and expenses always rank higher and get more attention than the things they do wrong like the 10p tax which many commentators said was bad tax policy for months before the brown stuff hit the fan. Most people I know never felt Brown was competent -just lucky - and now that his incompetence is recognised ( just look at the gold sale and the havoc wreaked on pensions ) he should be made to stand for a leadership contest in a general Election. We are a democracy after all, let the people decide. I , for one, do not want another leader given the premiership as a "Buggins turn".
- Michael, London, 16/09/2008 11:03
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Gordon Brown is doing a wonderful job...of getting himself kicked out of office. Even his own party finally realises that he's finished and are jumping ship already. Shame its too late for them as well. Goodbye NuLabour!
- Mike Stern, london, 16/09/2008 10:52
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I work in an office of 26 people and we have all been reading and commenting on this story. Without exception, everyone agrees with Mike London... his comment beginning 'The people of England' and ending 'as they hate us' These are the issues that will be the downfall of Labour (and the Conservatives when they get into power if they continue down the same route)Finally, voters are beginning to see the light and hopefully will do something about it.
- Meadowlady, East Anglia, 16/09/2008 10:26
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This government, led by a weak and unpopular prime minister, is imploding. It is causing great damage to the country both at home and abroad. Who will both to spend their time discussing a matter with Gordon Brown, except out of diplomatic politeness, when it is clear his being a gone tomorrow politician is imminent.
The sham of his chancellorship is becoming all too evident. His premiership is now a national embarrassment.
I don't give a fig for the political party but I do care about my country. Gordon Brown would appear to have interest in neither; were he so to do, he would go voluntarily.
- Lester May, Camden Town, London, England, 16/09/2008 10:25
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"poised to quit" ... I won't hold my breath just yet. So many political careers are based on words not actions these days .
- Marianne, S W France, 16/09/2008 10:25
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Well let them quit.
What good are they doing anyway.
A leader is as good as his team, and most of the team is sitting on their hands or sniping, I say get constructive or get the sack...
- Nabil H, London, UK, 16/09/2008 10:25
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- David Chown, bath uk. Racism?!
There you are right, the minority-centric, politically-correct policies that have blighted the very vast majority of indigenous people of the UK and that have destroyed the very fabric of our society have been an absolute disgrace. The racism employed is disgusting.
This Labour government have done more to destroy this country than the Nazis ever could during WWII. We now live in an Orwellian state with absolutely every aspect of our lives controlled and manipulated by this destructive and self destructive totalitarian government.
Make sure you close your bin lid properly, wouldn't want you to be locked up!
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 16/09/2008 10:24
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David
Because the public are becoming fed up with our hard earned money being given away to just about every Tom, Dick or Harry that pops into the UK does NOT make everyone a racist. That word is in danger of losing value because it is dragged out everytime someone has an opinion.
- Kim, Lancing, West Sussex, 16/09/2008 09:25
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At last, at very long last, voters are begining to see through the thick McLabour smokescreen of political deceipt.
But much more than that has been Joe Public's recognition that Brown could, and crucially should, have greatly eliminated much of today's many family's financial heartbreaks, and prevented this British recession, by not letting the economy drift for the last five years.
Titanic, arrogance, haste, waltzing, iceberg and insufficient lifeboats, spring disasterously to mind.
- Dave, cumbria, 16/09/2008 09:15
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Cromwell has been quoted so often, but his words still ring true today;
"You have sat too long for any good you have been doing lately ... Depart, I say; and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!"
- Michele Smith, london, 16/09/2008 08:26
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Bow out? - don't be silly, he's thriving on it. I've worked with jocks, they love the conflict.
- Dave, Cornwall, 15/09/2008 23:41
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Perhaps he hasn't done too much wrong (although his attempts to counter the economic downturn don't impress) since becoming PM, but his unpopularity has several important and very real sources. 1. His claim to fiscal competency, based on a decade of economic success, is now exposed. 2. His deal with Blair and the campaign to remove him proved him to be selfish and ruthless, qualities that cannot endear him to the public. 3. Stealth taxes are seen (rightly) as crafty and deceitful. 4. His lack of oratorical skill, repeating mantras that we have now tired of. 5. Unfortunately, his hang-dog expression and that jaw-drop mannerism he cannot seem to get rid of. Those who still believe that general elections are won purely on policy and not on personality will... let's talk after the next one.
- Sean Gray, London, 15/09/2008 21:53
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The world has been in the hands of unscrupulous American and British leaders for 10 years or more now, and the political, military and economic calamities they have created are now reaching their climax. Brown has had a major contribution to the the foregoing and encouraged the relaxation of the laws of thrift, and the expansion of taxation by stealth. In terms of economic know-how his only mentors appear to have been the intdllectual Zombies Lenin and Trotsky, and his Partry have managed to do more damage to the UK than Adolph Hitler.
- Robert El-Cid,, Hull, East Yorks.,, 15/09/2008 20:16
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The way these half-witted MPs are bickering about their wretched party, you wouldn't know that the country is facing it's most difficult period in a generation (a fact confirmed by Mr Darling). Their behaviour is completely unacceptable - either they get on with the job they are paid to do or quit immediately. This is just not good enough!
- Zady, London, 15/09/2008 19:29
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Brown should not be the only one to bear the brunt.. Harman, Balls , Blears and the rest of this dangerous regime must be publicly named and shamed!
- Gwaddilove, London,ENGLAND, 15/09/2008 19:04
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I notice many of the people who are adding their support to oust Gordon are doing it because they hate the labour party but I support a change of leadership for the opposite reasons. This is another example of the mess Brown is geting us in by hanging on despite the reality of public's perception of him. For tle labour party's sake Go now Gordon!
- Kdbur, london, 15/09/2008 18:52
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Firstly, Ed Balls must be living on another planet. Over the weekend he was quoted as saying he does not detect any pressure from the public to see Brown ousted from Dowing Street.
Secondly, Brown has sacked several ex cabinet ministers/colleagues after accusing them of plotting against him. It's a pity he does not show such strong leadership when cabinet colleagues are 'caught' lying to the public over their expenses and other allowances. But hey thats different, he makes excuses and publicy supports them. Welcome to the weird world of Labour politics where anything goes so long as you support Brown and Co.
- Pip, Banstead, Surrey, 15/09/2008 17:28
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David Chown, you're so smug and its easy to say that all those who are sick and tired of Nu-Labs destruction are racist and no doubt we are homophobic and the rest of the ism's and name calling Nu-Lab have concocted to deny free speech and open debate. Wake-up sunshine and look at what Nu-Lab have done to the south east. Even Ken Livingstone boasts how he has turned London into a socialist state within a state and this has been done using benefits for freeloaders, workshy, lazy, prostitutes and even drug dealers. Mostly, all immported and all lapping up free money. Except tax payer's don't feel excited about it and now feel London is a freak town with far to many no go areas.
- Mike, London, 15/09/2008 17:26
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Its almost not worth commenting on, every day the same kind of head line. Surely if next week Glenroathes vote goes against the Government it will be a devastating and final fatal blow against Mr Brown. These are Scottish voters just down the road from his home town of Kirkcaldy. Even the walking dead sometimes open their eyes.
- Bondy, london, 15/09/2008 17:17
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David Clown,
You are right that the extreme-right stands to gain but it is not just down to unemployment.
It is down to a governemnt that has had a blatant disregard for the majority of it's population. It has taxed the workforce excessively but now a recession is about to bite, there is no sense of easing those taxes in difficult times.
That is becuase Labour has built up a culture of state dependency.
- Hundreds of Thousands of extra workers in the public sector
- Hundreds of extra Quangos
- Communities where generations of people know no other life other than state handouts.
- Political Correctness overarching common sense.
- And yes, no sensible immigration controls that mean that public spending is increased further still.
It's not racism. It is fact. The only answer left-wingers have is to scream racist just to avaoid a sensible argument.
Like you Mr Clown
- M Spanner, Ilford, 15/09/2008 17:06
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"Janet Anderson said Labour was still popular with the voters but Mr Brown was not". Well she was half-right....which is 50% better than most of her party.
- Mark, London, 15/09/2008 16:48
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Mike's comments reinforce the recent warning that the extreme right and racism stand to gain much support in a time of economic rundown and rising unemployment, such as - now
- David Chown, bath uk, 15/09/2008 16:19
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Janet Anderson said "Labour was still popular with the voters but Mr Brown was not"
She is totally out of touch. The majority hate nulabour and every it stand for. We need an election NOW!!!
- Jj, Beijingstoke, 15/09/2008 16:16
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Mike, I know what you mean but you understate the case.
Scotland and the Labour fiefdoms in the North have used the South-East of England as a milch-cow for 11 years. Scotland costs us more than does the EU. Very grateful are n't they? The cause of all this goes right back to Gordon Brown who rewards success and hard work with more and more stealth tax so he may heap our largesse on to Scotland in a vain hope to buy votes from the SNP.
OUT OUT OUT.
- David, East Grinstead, 15/09/2008 16:12
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Remind me what Mr Brown has done wrong recently. Now remind me what the 'Labour' Party has done wrong over the years. Where's the justice?
- Steve, Tunbridge Wells, 15/09/2008 15:42
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It is abundantly clear that there should now be held a general election. I believe that is the only way for the UK to restore it's fortunes.
- Arthur Lincoln, arthur.lincoln@skynet.be, 15/09/2008 15:42
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The Unions are flexing their muscles. We face a winter of discontent, and if the Glenrothes election goes the same way as Glasgow East its not only the turkey that will be carved up at Christmas
- Jeremiah, London, 15/09/2008 15:11
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A very unedifying spectacle. Why hasn't he got the guts to call an election like Major did in similar circumstances? Failing that, he should just bow out and not carry on this self-demeaning farce.
- Delphine, Oxford, 15/09/2008 14:29
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The people of England are trying to save England from McBlair/McBrown distruction of our way of life. We are fed-up with fines with stealth taxes with housing benefit being paid to half of Europe to come hear for a second home and change our way of life we are fed-up with Eastern Europeans and alledge asylum seekers demanding THEIR Yuman rights from our taxes. We now hate Nu-Labour as much as they hate us.
- Mike, London, 15/09/2008 13:50
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