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Blears tells Cabinet to 'get a grip' in Harman feud over leadership
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor20 Feb 2009
Hazel Blears has laid bare the scale of Cabinet in-fighting over Harriet Harman by telling her colleagues to "get a grip".
In an extraordinary public slap-down, the Communities Secretary said voters would not forgive ministers jockeying for promotion during a recession. "My message to my colleagues is simple: Get a grip," she said in a speech. "Our first loyalty is to the British people. If they think that we are more interested in our own jobs than theirs they will not forgive us. If the mindset is all about what happens after some future election defeat then the game's up."
Ms Blears's intervention confirms that this week's outbreak of internal feuding was all too real, and not a media concoction. An aide denied her comments were aimed at Ms Harman but few doubted that Labour's deputy leader was indeed the target.
Ms Harman last night denied she was positioning herself to succeed Gordon Brown after the election, saying there was no "shred of truth" in the reports. "What I am doing, I'm determined to support Gordon as the Prime Minister of this country," she said.
Jack Straw meanwhile emerged as yet another potential successor when a new poll named him the public's choice for Labour leader. The Justice Secretary received four times more support than Ms Harman.
Mr Straw polled 19 per cent in the PoliticsHome.com survey, four points above second-placed Foreign Secretary David Miliband, and 10 points ahead of Health Secretary Alan Johnson. Deputy leader Ms Harman managed only five per cent.
The in-fighting is being seen as evidence that ministers are resigned to defeat at the next election.
Leading Left-winger Jon Cruddas, the Dagenham MP, strongly defended Ms Harman's right to "develop a policy agenda of her own".
Today's poll found few possible contenders register at all with the public. Schools Secretary Ed Balls is backed by four per cent and Mr Cruddas by two per cent. Younger Cabinet ministers such as Ed Miliband, James Purnell and Andy Burnham all fail to garner more than one per cent support.
PoliticsHome.com interviewed 924 adults. The results are weighted by party identity to reflect the United Kingdom.
Reader views (41)
This is all so funny. It reminds me of the early 90's when the tories were desperate to get rid of Maggie!
- Charles, perth, Australia, 23/02/2009 00:43
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Why would you vote for this fool?
- Keith Price, Luton, England, 22/02/2009 22:08
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Is't okay, Harriet's delousional world is confined between her own ears. It will be disclosed in the future for what it is, a sham to divert attention away from the massive problems created by this untrustworthy government. An indication of the countries dissatisfaction with New Labour is coming in the elections to the EU.
- J R J, Glen VIne, 22/02/2009 09:48
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All this squabbling is Brown's own fault. When he became PM he should have named the Deputy Leader of the Party to be Deputy Prime Minister. There would have been no doubts about status etc. and no "jockeying for position". It still isn't too late for Brown to do the right thing. Besides no Deputy Leader of a major UK Party has ever gone on to be the Leader. Ever.
- Gerard Mulholland, Paris, France, 21/02/2009 23:27
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If that creeping subterranean beast of prey Harperson becomes Labour leader it will be the same kind of vote-losing event as Michael Foot's 'victory' was - and perhaps even surpass that almost unbelivable event.
If you are a man and you are intelligent and informed, you will not vote for Harperson as PM regardless of the political situation - even if you are a Labour supporter. If you would vote Labour if she were the leader, you are an idiot who deserves what you get.
- Eric Legge, Ongar, Essex, 21/02/2009 21:48
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Frankly, it really doesn't matter.
In 18 month's time, we will thankfully have forgotten the names of most of these paltroon players.
Let us concentrate instead on what the Tories can best do in the face of NuLabour's disastrous financial and social mismanagement. What a poisoned chalice!
- Peter J Hinton-Green, Johannesburg, South Africa, 21/02/2009 13:58
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If that hate-filled female-supremacist becomes prime minister I'm joining the millions of men swimming for continental Europe.
- Edward, London, 21/02/2009 01:22
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How about this, Bye election in Swanley St Mary's ward. A solid Labour stronghold has been voted out. Did the Tories or Liberal get a look in ? NO ! the victors that won the bye election The BNP. The Labour party days are numberd and will be wiped out judging by these results.
- Joe, Swanley Kent, 20/02/2009 17:52
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I was around when a similiar thing happened to M.Thatcher.
If I was in any of this Governments shoes at the moment I would be looking for a quick quiet way out.
- David,Chertsey, Chertsey.UK., 20/02/2009 17:51
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As a very angry and disillusioned Labour member (there are still a few of us), I have to say that Gordon Brown has been very disappointing. I could use a stronger term...
labour will almost certainly los the next election quite badly, and it won't be because of being too left wing or progressive. What we have had is a continuation of the policies that made the Tories so unpopular (privatisation, pandering to the City, marketisation of public servcies, etc). I have no doubt that Cameron will continue along that path, so I view a Tory victory as a continuing tragedy.
I'd love to see a hung parliament, forcing through a change to our undemoncratic politics, Vince Cable as PM, John Cruddas in Cabinet (with Ken Clarke as a real pro European Foreign Secretary).
At the moment, very few people feel like their views are being listened to.
- Rob, London, UK, 20/02/2009 17:05
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Ill be PM provided I can blame everything on Gordon and Tony.
After you've got rid of me for telling you the truth about how bad things really are I want a cushy number please.
Envoy for foreign holidays would be OK - has Blair beat me to it though?
- Anglo, Sussex England, 20/02/2009 16:54
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Let's face it, none of them has a clue - they're all on the take, see Jacqui Smith for that one. Frankly I would rather put Richard Branson in charge at least he's succeeded in his chosen profession.
- Jaclyn, Keynsham, England, 20/02/2009 16:30
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What do these clowns think they are playing at? Nero fiddled while Rome burnt, and this bunch of incompetents are busily stabbing Brown in the back, and plotting their own advantage whilst the economy implodes, and the electorate worry how they, their kids and their grandkids pay for the biggest debt in our nation's history.And some people would still vote Labour!
- Ron Oldham, Bournemouth United Kingdom, 20/02/2009 16:28
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I am not a Labour supporter but i believe Jack Straw would have a calming effect on the Country as a whole-It would be really decent of Brown to therefore step down before he is pushed-At least then he may regain a little respect.
- Harvey Lawrence, london, 20/02/2009 16:22
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Jacqui Smith is the only one who can get us out of this mess!!!
- Harvey Tuckett, Kingston Upon Hull, 20/02/2009 16:11
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We need to get rid of everyone of these inept Labour ministers as soon as possible. Even Hazel Blears is at it, trying to make a name for herself by blocking two major building projects in the capital - at a time when work for the unemployed is a major priority. Not her trying to boost her own self importance. Just goes to show what happens when Gordon is out of the country. He has obviously got a very loyal group around him - not! Pity we could not have a mixed party in govt next time. Vince Cable for Chancellor and Frank field to sort welfare and benefits out! The only two with principles and original ideas.
- Brian Gare, Norfolk Gorleston, 20/02/2009 16:10
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What a pool of talent Labour have to draw on when the Great Leader decides he has given his all.Suggest that Tacky Jacqui should be listed even if she has to lead from the prison cell she so richly deserves.
- P Doff, filey yorks, 20/02/2009 15:23
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Darren Boulter, Harrow, Middlesex
You sound like a very frustrated and bitter person. Perhaps that is because your beloved neo socialist govt. have failed yet again. Try contributing something worthwhile.
Labour are finished after their 12 year reign of destruction and down grading of this country, so they won't need to find another leader. They have totally trashed the place and angered many people. I doubt after the next election they will ever be voted to power again. They ALWAYS screw the economy up and this time they have also seriously damaged the social fabric of this country. All in the name of the politics of envy!!
- Tom W, London, 20/02/2009 15:20
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No chance. He is behind putting everybody on as many databases as he can get away with. If he gets in ALL freedom will disapear.
- Adrian, Derby UK, 20/02/2009 15:09
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Was this a straw poll?
- Kate Crook, Abingdon England, 20/02/2009 14:58
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Even though the recession is global everyone blames this government for failing to ease anything. All the so-called policies to help us are still blowing in the wind. Repossession are up in spite of the good idea to give the people two years respite or housing associations to buy the houses and people rent, properties aren't selling so why not let the people live there? Genuine businesses needing help with customers waiting don't get the loans.
Child care, old folks homes, schools, crime, etc and so on. Nothing has improved.
Goodbye Labour.
Some Liberal MPs sound sensible but some of the policies are not acceptable.
I didn't want a Conservative government but think they may do a better job to help small businesses which will then go on to help the people keep their jobs.
I have a small business, we are hanging on by the skin of our teeth,
very very fed up.
- Ann, Chelmsford UK, 20/02/2009 14:54
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All of them are useless, roll on the general election. Then the country can start to live down the terrible era that was NuLiebor and, consign it to history. Shame on them.
- David, Fleet UK, 20/02/2009 14:34
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Anybody could win.Just give all the oaps a real pension.
- Mike, macclesfield cheshire, 20/02/2009 14:29
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Voting for old Jack would be like turkeys voting for Christmas. We are fed up with these Labour turkeys. They are only in it for the money otherwise they would have chucked out Gordon by now,
- Albert Hall, hove england, 20/02/2009 14:01
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Your poll is a waste of time - equivalent to asking the trapped passengers on the Titanic after striking the iceberg, "Who would you like as Captain?".
- Ossie Taylor, London, UK, 20/02/2009 13:45
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This would really be the last Straw!!!!
- Alan, Carlisle UK, 20/02/2009 13:36
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Cooper yesterday; Straw today. My bet is on Prescott for tomorrow. Blair by about Tuesday.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, Scotland, 20/02/2009 13:00
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It really doesn't matter much who takes over from Brown, this Government is finished. They are on the inexorable and slippery slope to total defeat. The problem is I don't much want Tories either. They will be no different, just as corrupt, claiming just as many dishonest expenses and when elected will only have the support of approximately 30 per cent of the electorate. No wonder people are sick of dishonest and corrupt politicians - of all Parties.
- Neil, Gloucestershire, England., 20/02/2009 12:55
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Labour again? No thanks!
I think they have done enough damage for the time being.
- Viola, Duesseldorf, Germany, 20/02/2009 12:49
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Can't stop laughing. Bring it on.
- Andrew E, Leaving the sinking ship England, 20/02/2009 12:20
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Anything to keep David "down with the kids" Cameron out of power.
Jack Straw wouldn't be my first choice, but it would be a better choice than the current Tory leader David Cameron.
"Oh look at me, I don't wear a tie to work because I am Mr cool and down with the kids.
Do me a favour
- Darren Boulter, Harrow, Middlesex, 20/02/2009 12:18
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Let's face it, Postman Pat is likely to have more luck than the current PM.
- Marianne, SW France, 20/02/2009 12:14
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A new poll made him favourite? I take it that was some Pole who had just arrived in the country then?!
After the next election, it doesn't matter who will take over the only government in history to have totally destroyed this society, it's economy and left us with the biggest overdraft of all time.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 20/02/2009 12:10
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Very funny! We don't want another successor... We want Democracy please. Give us a general Election please.
- Maria, London, 20/02/2009 12:04
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I thought that Cameron was the favourite with voters to take over from Brown!
- Casper Slides, France at the moment, 20/02/2009 12:03
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"Favourite with voters" You mean there are still some people in this country that would still vote for Labour!
- Sue, Orpington, Kent, 20/02/2009 11:35
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Ha ha ha ha ha
Ha ha ha ha ha
Jack Straw to take over from Brown, you must be kidding!
He's even more useless. The only thing that will sort out this mess is if we have a General Election.
- Adam, Harrow, UK, 20/02/2009 11:19
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never mind these politicians.business people with experience should be running this country.not people like straw.they have not got a clue.gordon brown seems to have taken his eye off the ball(no pun intended)this country is on the verge of bankruptcy because of labour and their buy now pay later policies.my childrens childrens children will be still paying back all this debt long after i have gone.
- Owen Mulhall, london uk, 20/02/2009 10:56
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Straw?
I think not.
- Eddie, London, 20/02/2009 10:53
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It doesnt matter who leads this dishonest, discredited,
and incompetent bunch ... they are finished and they know it! Everyone mentioned as possible leaders is tainted with the same aura of failure.
- Carver, newark,, 20/02/2009 10:52
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You must be joking. He's a has been who never was and as for leadership material in a modern world? Don't make me laugh. The Tories are young and dynamic but if Labour want their own Ming, let them get on with it.
- Thomas, London, 20/02/2009 10:10
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