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Tories aiming for two terms as peer attacks Brown
Nicholas Cecil, Chief Political Correspondent20 Apr 2009
DAVID Cameron today set his sights on two terms in power as his party soars in the polls.
The Tory leader challenged Gordon Brown to a general election on 4 June, at the same time as the local and European polls.
Hours earlier, Labour peer Lord Desai claimed that the Cabinet may force out the Prime Minister if Labour suffers big losses in the June elections.
He also said Mr Brown's reputation for “sound economics” and “sound politics” had been destroyed by the recession.
Writing in the Evening Standard today, Lord Desai said the Damian McBride “smeargate” scandal had “ripped off” Mr Brown's “moral mask”.
Mr Cameron vowed to restore “pride and “responsibility” in Britain.
He told the Sun Talk internet radio station: “We need a Government with a five- to 10-year horizon, not a five-minute horizon.”
The latest polls put the Conservatives up to 19 points ahead, which would give the Tory leader a sizeable Commons majority.
Mr Cameron told of his anger at the Damian McBride “smear” email and denied knowledge about allegations that senior Tories had sex and took drugs with a prostitute.
He added: “I have never said that I or my team are somehow whiter than white, that we don't have problems in our marriages or relationships and have never done anything wrong in the past.
“I'm not saying we are going to be perfect. But I really believe that with a different leader, a different culture, a different team in 10 Downing Street, we can actually make people proud of that building in the heart of our government.”
Lord Desai wrote today: “Come this June's elections for the European Parliament and selected local authorities, it will be decision time for the Labour Party.”
If Labour suffers big losses, as Lord Desai expects, the party would have little time to choose a new leader through the usual procedures.
However, the peer added: “The Cabinet may yet persuade Brown to bow out for the sake of the party he loves and elect an interim leader pending the next election and a proper race.”
He also warned that the Liberal Democrats could overtake Labour in the polls, and said their Treasury spokesman had “looked good” during the economic crisis.
Reader views (18)
Val from Spain - where does it say in the Guardian that labour has gone up by 9 points? I couldn't find it, assuming that you are referring to the web site.
- Chris, Brighton, England., 21/04/2009 11:00
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Used to be a staunch Tory voter, but would never vote for Cameron as he is another Tony Blair, why would I vote for the same.
Any party that plans to take us out of the EU has my vote, so it will probably be UKIP for me. Staying in the EU means we have no government of our own, we are ruled by the EU, which is so corrupt and not in the UK's interest at all. Our MP's are no longer patriots of the UK, but patriots of the EU. I really can't tell the difference between the EU and Communism. We need to have our independence back again, we can trade with the EU but we do not need to be in the EU to do that.
Long live a free and independent UK.
- Ros, London uk, 21/04/2009 10:35
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Here's a clue! Listen to and honourably serve the electorate and it could be more than two terms. Labour government autocrats have not got that in their thick skulls yet!
- Peter Noterfed, Paris, France, 21/04/2009 05:48
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#Val
So how much did you claim in "expenses" ?
- Chris, Rochester, 20/04/2009 22:30
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What a difference a day makes. I see Labour has gone up 9 points since yesterday, according to the Guardian's latest poll.
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain, 20/04/2009 22:00
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Val from Spain - I didn't notice your comments on the story about it taking 10 years to balance the books! As for spreading the labour message, well we've seen how the labour party do that!! Tories - not much good really but infinitely better than labour I'm afraid.
- Chris, Brighton, England, 20/04/2009 21:46
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It's extremely unfortunate that the rise in the popularity of the Cons is merely a consequence of flash Gordon's failings.
The Cons still lack credibility as a viable alternative, and if Dave and Osborne were given an enema, what remained would fit into a matchbox.
The two main parties effectively offer the voter a choice between two piles of rubbish... Bring on on PR, and hopefully Vince Cable.
- John, Dorset, 20/04/2009 21:42
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Three things that David Cameron will do better than Gordon Brown?
- Neec, London, 20/04/2009 21:00
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Only 2 terms? Why the lack of ambition?
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, 20/04/2009 18:04
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Well done, Keith. I don't believe for one moment that this is the true picture across the country. The alleged conduct of some people in the Conservative party is accepted by the majority of their supporters as being 'private'. Whatever happened to family values if their alleged extra-marital activity and drug-taking is deemed acceptable behaviour. We in the Labour party rely on you and people like you to remind the council/government of its responsibility to the electorate. End the tittle tattle, get rid of the dross and do what you were all elected to do which is to serve the people of this country. I enjoyed it immensely and hope I helped people in the process of spreading the Labour message. God speed.
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain, 20/04/2009 17:06
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Ethan, it was David Steele who said "go back to your constituencies...", not Neil Kinnock. Kinnock's classic moment was "Well alright! Well alright! Well alright!" Anyone who fancies a laugh, look up "sheffield rally" on youtube.
Keith Price wouldn't be the one who sticks up for Gordon on these very boards, would he?
- Kevin T, Beckenham, Kent, 20/04/2009 16:58
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David Cameron can stay in 10 Downing Street for the next 20 years - PROVIDING HE REVERSES ALL THE POLICE STATE NONSENSE THAT LABOUR HAS PURPOSEFULLY ENGINEERED.
WHY does the UK possess 25% of CCTV cameras on the planet?
WHY does the UK have the largest (illegal) DNA database on the planet?
WHY are local councils allowed to intercept emails and texts and WHY can GCHQ listen to all telephone calls made in the UK?
Time to get your act together Mr Cameron.
Restore the word FREEDOM to democracy in the UK.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe UK, 20/04/2009 15:55
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In his dreams............................................
- Kh, London UK, 20/04/2009 15:45
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I too would like to add my support to Keith Price getting elected and hope my ancestors are alive to see the next Labour party in power.
- Roger, Surrey, 20/04/2009 15:32
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The trouble is the C's have no gravitas, just look at the increase in 'weight' when they got old Ken to waddle down to the front bench!
Trouble is he's pro-europe and will give even more away than this lot.
Can't wait for Gormless Gord to go tho'! New Labour? New sleaze story! Out with the boundahs!
- Scroticle, England, 20/04/2009 15:27
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Keep on Dreaming Cameron, there nothing wrong with having a dream
- Alex Lisinge, Putney, 20/04/2009 15:25
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Prime Ministers should be limited to only two terms, then there should be a manditory change leadership (like in the US) and the new challeneger would run in the third elction, which would be 8 years later.
- Nick Nack Paddy Mac, London UK, 20/04/2009 15:03
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Not a smart move. Remember Kinnock 'Go back to your constituencies and prepare for Government'.
First win an election Dave.
May I just be the first to say good luck to current Labour councillor Keith Price from Stoneybroke ward in Luton. I'm sure you'll make the Nu Labour selection list and become the next Labour MP forming a strong part in the next hugely successful Labour Government....in 2025 or thereabouts.
- Ethan, UK, 20/04/2009 14:48
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