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Attack by Blair aide opens Labour divide
Joe Murphy, Political Editor18 Feb 2009
FURTHER divisions opened up in Labour today as one of Tony Blair's former aides launched a withering attack on Gordon Brown.
Philip Collins, who is close to Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell and Culture Secretary Andy Burnham, accused the Prime Minister of abandoning bold reforms to the Conservatives.
Radical plans to boost literacy in schools, decentralise power and make big public services more responsive had been surrendered, he argued.
Under Mr Brown the Government was "behaving like an opposition" by allowing Tory leader David Cameron to hijack Labour ideas and campaign from the centre.
"So it is that Labour now finds itself just to the left of sensible on everything," claimed Mr Collins.
He accused Mr Brown's close Cabinet ally Ed Balls, the Children's Secretary, of taking on extra powers over school dinners while losing his ground on key educational reforms.
Mr Collins, who was Mr Blair's speechwriter, wrote in the Times that the Prime Minister was more interested in wrongfooting the Tories than the rights and wrongs of political ideas - a claim that will anger Mr Brown's admirers.
Reader views (4)
There's only 1 thing that is more important about Brown than anything else - He was elected to represent his Scottish constituents at UK level - he was never elected to rule over England. We will not be the Lab Rats for his Auld Enemy Policies for much longer. He can never win another General Election. Never. Nor will any other Scottish leader.
- Helen Wright, ENGLAND, 18/02/2009 22:33
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Well, Tony Blair is quoted as saying that Gordon is always about tactics and not strategy, and few would argue with that.
Everything is seen through the prism of "would it wrongfoot the Tories?" Then lets do it.
- Michael, Surbiton UK, 18/02/2009 13:58
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I am sure that Mr Collins is correct about Brown but Blair was just as big a disaster for this country!
- William, London, 18/02/2009 12:28
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Just like the tories before 1997 NuLab is starting to tear itself apart. The country can't go on like this. We need an election NOW so we can kick this useless shower out.
- Keith, UK, 18/02/2009 12:14
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