End of a bad week: Labour MPs say Brown is 'doomed'
Joe Murphy and Paul Waugh01.05.09
Gordon Brown took a fresh battering today as Labour MPs said he was “doomed” and former cabinet minister Charles Clarke said he was ashamed to be in the party.
At the end of one of his worst weeks since taking power, the Prime Minister struggled to regain control after backbenchers, former ministers and unnamed ministers attacked his leadership.
Even one friend and ally, Treasury select committee chairman John McFall, called for “long-term vision” from the premier. He admitted Mr Brown himself realised he “could have done better” over recent days.
Both Left-wingers and more moderate figures called his judgement into question after a series of setbacks, from defeat on the Gurkhas to the climbdown on MPs' expenses.
In a fresh bout of infighting, allies of Home Secretary Jacqui Smith dramatically blamed Chief Whip Nick Brown for the disastrous Commons vote on the Gurkhas.
Ms Smith warned repeatedly that the Government's policy should change but was overruled by the whips, the Treasury and Ministry of Defence. Mr Clarke, a former home secretary, was withering in his assessment of Mr Brown. “There have been things that have been done recently that have made me feel ashamed to be a Labour MP,” he told BBC's Daily Politics programme.
“I worked half my life to get Labour into a position where it could be a good government and I do see that fading away. There's a lot around saying Gordon has to improve his performance.”
Perhaps more ominous for No 10 was a warning from senior loyalist Mr McFall that Mr Brown needed to spell out where the Government was heading.
The Labour veteran said he agreed with former minister David Blunkett that Labour had lost its “political antennae” and there was a need for “more old-fashioned nous” in Downing Street.
“The need for a narrative, for a longer-term vision, I think [Blunkett] is spot on there,” Mr McFall said.
“I think things could have been done better in terms of the events of the past week or two, and from what I hear within the Parliamentary Labour Party and from talking to Gordon Brown, he acknowledges that things could have been done better.”
The rash of attacks prompted Deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman, who has herself been seen as a possible contender for Mr Brown's job, to issue a rallying cry for party unity.
A raft of backbenchers also weighed in today amid speculation that disastrous local and European election results this June could see a leadership challenge.
Medway MP Bob Marshall-Andrews told the Evening Standard: “We are inevitably going to lose the next general election. It is quite inevitable.”
Speaking about the series of votes on MPs' expenses, Mr Marshall-Andrews added: “Last night's procedures were a debacle. Having made a fool of himself on YouTube, the Prime Minister tried to get out of it by making a fool of the House of Commons.
“How do we get out of this deplorable mess? As a party we require an imminent general election to hasten the inevitable process of a massive readjustment of the party.”
Former mayor Ken Livingstone also told LBC Radio the Prime Minister was “doomed”. “I wouldn't bet my own money on Labour winning,” he said.
“The thing that is a weakness for Brown at the moment, his most fervent supporters, people like Bob Marshall-Andrews, who've all been saying when he gets in he'll blossom, he will be great', are now saying he has had it.
“All the party is united in thinking we're doomed.”
Labour MP Tom Harris said: “I am not going to insult your intelligence and pretend things are not bad in the Parliamentary Labour Party. They are as bad as they've ever been.”
Backbencher Ian Gibson told ITV News: “When things were bad for Tony Blair, he had the charisma to get out of it. Everything for Brown just falls flat.”
Reader views (94)
When Brown as the l;eader becomes the proble, as he is then it is curtains
- Peter, Camberley UK
Election now! We don't want another un-elected PM from this stagnant pond.
- K Lee, Cheshunt, UK
It is rich for Smith to blame Nick Brown, after all her actions caused part of the problems 'Dear Leader' is facing.
Bring on an election, the sooner the better.....!
After that the real job of getting the country right can begin, whoever wins, no further distractions and infighting.
- Hugh, Middx
They were doomed ages ago hence Blair stepping down. There should be a two term limit placed on PM's as no one voted Mr Brown in, he gained the position on Blairs credit and now we are stuck with him.
- Brandon Thomas, London UK
Charles Clarke might well be "ashamed of being a member of New Labour", but he's nowhere near as ashamed as I am with having this Brown character representing MY country.
- Ted, London
I always thought that Hazel Blear's sickening devotion to Brown was unshakeable.
This pathetic little twerp (who struggled to achieve last place in the ballot for deputy leadership) criticises Brown and his policies and three hours later tells us he has her full support. Will no one rid us of this disastrous government?
- Tom Williams, Oxford
Message to Brown, for God's sake RESIGN!
- David, Fleet UK
Good riddance! So much incompetence and no surprise that he is remaining un-elected in his PM position. Shame on this labor party again.
- Jacqueline, Hampstead, London
Let's see whether those outer London MPs who have voted to admit they should not claim second homes allowances have the decency to admit how much they've already taken - and to pay it all back to us taxpayers.
That's something to ask them all when they stand for reelection in the next 12 moths.
- Eric J, London, England
Thank God Val is in Spain - from there she's about as effective as Crash & co
- David, SOUTHAMPTON
Thank God Val is in Spain - from there she's about as effective as Crash & co
- David, SOUTHAMPTON
If the Labour Party is so bad at what it's doing, will the Tory Voters give back money to the Labour Party please?.
Under the Tory Party you would never have got Heating allowance for o.a.ps. child tax credits, pension credits, increase child allowance, bus passes,the basic minimum wage, increase in pensions, and the amount of billions bailing out the banks due to the head of banks getting it wrong resigning and walking off into the sunset rich?.
If you want the shackles and brakes to come on so sharp fine ..... then vote Tory at the next election after all they sold all the family silver, had over 3 million out of work and closed down and sold off BRITAIN thanks to Thatcher and her close friend "SID", .... FACT.
Everyone once to rule the World but for the benefit of who?.
- John L., Scarborough North Yorkshire, U.K.
Not to worry: under Britain's one-party state, the move to a one-world government, world army, world currency and a microchipped, dumb population will continue apace. It matters not who occupies number ten, because all politicians are committed to the globalist totalitarian agenda, since the are all owned by the international banking cartel.
- Neil, London, London UK
Succinctly put Neil of London,
Only you will never convince the electorate,....nice try though Neil,.....nice try!!
GERONIMO
- Kenneth Hickford, LONDON
I wonder if the cronies in the NuLabour party are about to leave the sinking ship?
- Stan White, leeds
Gordon Brown took a fresh battering today as Labour MPs said he was “doomed” and former cabinet minister Charles Clarke said he was ashamed to be in the party.
"Et tu Brute" (Clarke)
There is no act of treachery or meanness of which a political party is not capable; for in politics there is no honour.
Benjamin Disraeli
Clarke has just proved Disraeli spot on!
- Kenneth Hickford, LONDON
All of the incompentent Labour ministers and PM ought to know what it feels like to be unemployed with no pensions after the next federal election.
- Ed, Toronto, ON, Canada
The common thread in all these comments is that it is all the fault of the politicians. Parents who don't control their children, the decline of good manners and decency, the greed and me me culture, living beyond your means and creating mountains of debt, none of tehse are mentioned. It may be that rather than a gevernment that can't govern what we really have is an ungovernable population. Instead of blaming it all on Gordon take a look in the mirror and ask who has been following the "I'm in it for what I can get" philosophy. Benefit cheats, tax avoidance, debt, rudeness are all products of a decadent population rather than an incompetent government, and there is the root of England's problems.
- George, Marbella, Spain
Cheer up you lot, you did vote for them. Maybe it is time to bring in a democractic model made for this century, this old ones not working.
- Mr Pastry, Brisbane
Still think Val is Borat.
- Sean, London
Call an election Brown,you Scottish Numpty!!!
- Mark A, Warrington England
To Val Daniels we don 't like Costa Brits telling us what to think. We have to suffer Gordon the Moron everyday. You don't live in the country I wonder why? LOL
- Richard K, Nottingham
WE need to get rid of Brown as soon as possible before he purposely destroys this nation so he can hand it into the EU. The British people shoul witness the monster being created in the EU. Go to Youtube and get Daniel Hannan and Nigel Farrage. See the hopeless battle they are waging against corruption and insurmoutable odds and how they are setting aside their own rules to muzzule people.Get hold opf your MP and tell him its not acceptable. We want a referendum.
- Peter, Camberley UK
Before all the frightened labour MP's..available for work after the next election,start moaning,just remember you all sat on your hands in the voting and basked in the glory of 'prudent gordy' when he was chancellor..the new labour ship of titanic has been hit by an ice berg,the band plays on..but the captain has already jumped overboard..but no noticed,last seen north of the border!!!
- Jonnie Of Brixton, brixton,london,england
All this Brown bashing by Blairites is more to do with how Blair was removed as Prime Minister, however given the Iraq war Blair had already spoilt his copybook.
It goes to show how little these MPs care about the people the Labour Party was created to represent when they are prepared to save the "enemy" the need to even produce policies let alone fight a campaign!
Perhaps they should defect to the Conservative Party which is where they really belong.
Afterall Tony Blair was one of the best Conservative Prime Ministers the Tory Party never had!!
As for Gordon he has accomplished his goal of becoming Prime Minister he now needs to decide on whether he should resign in favour of someone else in order to reduce the damage to the Labour Party at the next election. As per a Star Trek film "The good of the many outweigh the good of the one!"
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex
Thanks Marianne ![]()
But tbh, it is so frustrating to see dear old England being completely trashed. I may be out of there - and fully intend to stay away - but I have a son and family in London. And it worries me ....
The fact is, we here in HK are on the outside looking in and we can see what's happening - and it's sad. We can see which way the wind is blowing and it really is unbelievable the sheer arrogance and stupidity of the Labour government - and, to use Val's own words, their lemming supporters.
If any of you have ver experienced life outside the UK, in particular places like HK, you would never ever want to live in the UK again.
So frustrating. So sad.
Good luck to all those left behind. Myself, I'm building a life, a home and a future here so that my son will also one day be able to escape.
- Sarit, Hong Kong
War
Tax
Europe
Immigration
MPs second homes and expenses
All policy disasters that have left Britain in deep ****. Not only are Brown and Blair to blame but all those in Parliament who really do waste OUR money as if it weren't their own.Who will put Britain right?
- A.J., Herts, England
Blair is to blame for evrything, this poor clown is only a scapegoat.
- John Smith, London , England
Val, Wayne, are you for real?
The man has left Britain in a complete and utter mess. Wasted all that money during the boom times so now there's nothing left. Sold of Gold at it lowes point ever. Moreover, stupid enough to advertise so everyone shorted. That point on the chart is now know as 'Brown's bottom'. They are borrowing more money then all the previous governments put together. Our kids are going to have to shoulder the burden for years to come. Everything he does is for himself and not for the country. He plays politics desperatly trying to cling on to power. Everything he does falls apart. Humilation after humilation. Saw him on Sky news talking about swine flu and grinning like an idiot. Dear God.
I am an expat working for a top tier IB in HK. Moved 2 years ago and not second's regret. If you could see which way the wind is blowing, ie the way the big coorporates are shifting to the East you would know that the UK's days ar numbered. Punitive taxes, heavy red tape, non-jobs, public sector - how can you possibly compete againt China, India?
Dear god, wake up. Before it's too late. But, I fear it is too late.
The man is a complete joke.
Game Over.
- Sarit, Hong Kong
Brown is a fairly nasty and incompetent political lump. But before we get rid of him - think!! Cameron is a nice enough chap - but a lightweight. And he only says things to advance his own political interests. Who speaks for the country?
So who? God knows. We are all in trouble.
- Anthony Perry, London UK
I agree we should stop Brown-bashing and blame the Labour party, Blair and the MPs. For one reason only do I say that. Someone I know has a 'friend in the know' and he said when Blair hands over to Brown sell your house and get out of this country. He was exactly right. My friend took the advice and is more than happy with his decision. That is because clearly Brown was set up as fall-guy and Blair wanted to leave on a high. Brown didn't create this, he interited it.
- Real, London
#Jonathan Cook
There are 60,943,912 people in the UK. 38,000 have signed this pathetic petition. By my reckoning that means 60,905,912 have not, and don't want to indulge you. Shades of Daniel Hannan. Most of these lemmings just want the bragging rights whilst the rest of us merely ignore this arcane gimmick.
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain
new labour? traffic wardens fat cats expenses illegal wars traffic cmaeras spy cameras no dentists huge waiting lists at hospital lots of people grossly over paid tax upon tax upon tax everyone is about skint town centres derelict new industry job centre plus and dss workers most expensive petrol in the world nobody can afford to travel never mind got to work is it just me being a pessimist or what doom and gloom misery poverty and depravation drugs everywhere home office not fit for purpose and every tom dick and harry from all over the world landing on our shores new labour never ever again will i vote for labour they are a total disgrace look at the east end of glasgow on utube an absolute abomination in this day and age
- James Fennessey, glasgow
Val Daniels - The only loyalty that Labour MP's should be showing is towards the country by supporting a vote of no-confidence in the Government as soon as the Tories or Lib-Dems introduce it.
- Ian Gilbertson, Newcastle
Another example of The Walking Dead
- Mike, London England
Charles Clarke, known as the thug when he was blairs chief whip, a Blairite yes man who was only too happy to follow orders, including going along with blairs lies when he took the country to war with Iraq.Get off the stage Mr clark, your day has gone.
Mr Blunkett, another Blairite who spent most of his time cosying up to the millionaires in the tory party and best friend of Norman {get on your bike] Tebbit. What right do these two have to lecture Nulabour on where they are going wrong. They weren't even competent enough to hang on to their own ministerial jobs.
The sad thing about the labour party is the fact that the ever allowed it to be hijacked by Blairites, Brownites and all the other souless greedy people who now occupy the front benchs. We can honestly say, but for being sacked, both Clarke and Blunkett would still be quite happy to sit amongst their old friends on the front benches. Hypocrites, both.
- James Hennessy, london england
TROUBLE IS ALL GORDONS PARTY WORKERS HAVE GONE TO LIVE IN SPAIN SO HE CANT CALL AN ELECTION.
MEANWHILE YOU PUBLISH DREADFUL STORIES LIKE THE LAST HOME FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS CLOSING IN LONDON, The Orchard, DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS AND NO ONE SEEMS TO TAKE ANY NOTICE. ARE WE TO CONDEM EVERY DISADVANTAGED PERSON TO NO HOPE, NO SECOND CHANCE BECAUSE GORDON IS NOT UP TO IT. WHERE ARE THE REST OF THE PARTY?
CAN WE BLAME THE POLITICIANS FOR FAILING WHEN THE MAJORITY OF THE COUNTRY SEEMS TO BE OBSESSED WITH THE LIVES OF CELEBRATES, WITH BBC AND ITV THE MOST PREOCCUPIED. TURN ON TV AT 5PM TO SEE WHAT I MEAN
- Alan Green, Woodford Green
Gordon continues to wreck the country and is an embarrassment for Labour.
If the politicians won't end the nightmare - the people will. Sign the petition to demand he resigns:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/please-go/
- Jonathan Cook, Winchfield
P45s all round please!!!!
- Jeremy E, London
on questeion time(bbc) on the 30th of april a shadow tory minister tried to justifie taking a non exec job in industry.he really tried hard to justifie his £2000 £24000 pa)per day salary. he only does it 1 day a month he bleated.he wants to see how industry works.so as i see it,a friend of freind etc asked him to join this company.for a price. as against saying yes but will do it unpaid as the experience will help the torys ,no he took the money.so he already has his nose in the trough .the corruption is in all partys.these people have no honour,. this country is going no where unless big changes are made. and with this guys attitude the torys arnt going to change.there is no party to vote for.3rd world corrupt countrys have in there own way more honour. at least they are upfront with their corruption. here measley mouthed excuses are the order of the day
- Mikeee, peterborough uk
Blair disregarded the traditions of the Labour Party by being the Son of Thatcher. Blair declared we are all middle class now. Brown has disregarded Labour traditions too and simply bumbled along in the footsteps of Blair. Blair and Brown have furthered the divide between rich and poor. Blair is now only concerned with making his millions and Brown arrogantly disregards the basic needs of ordinary people. They are a joke and a disgrace to the Labour Movement.
- Janet, London, UK
Browns trouble is that he has always been a pale blue Tory
and should have "crossed the floor" long ago. He is a declared Monarchist and against Scottish Independence just as the Tories are so he hasn't the interest of the Serfs at heart which explains his subservience to the US
T H Leeds
- Thomas Hayes, Leeds UK
He won't go-he is a ditherer when stressed.It's up to the Labour Party to dis-engage him. They will have that opportunity once we know the results of the Euro Elections-when Labour will come third.
- William Grierson, Kimpton-UK
I think that Gordon Brown is the worst Primeminister in living memory,-even worse than Ted Heath.He has the demeaner of someone that takes Prozac,-most of the time miserable,-and then for no apparent reason he smiles that stupid phoney smile.He has no plan,no policies and no clue as to where he's heading,-Zanulabour are dead in the water,-and their cabinet is like a Victorian freakshow.
- Jacob, Canterbury Kent
********* GET A GRIP - GIVE GORDON A BREAK ************
This Gordon bashing has to stop the poor man has been working like a trojan horse - cleaning up expenses, getting interest rates down ete etc so be grateful and pray thanks for Gordon our hero !!
Gordon would have an election tomorrow and would win with I guess a majority of at least 100 -150 but he ain't got time he's busy
- Wayne, Herts, Uk
It has taken you people a lot of time to find out that Labour are doomed. Labor, or socialism, is a beautiful dream which any Labour leader will turn into a nightmare for you.
- Terry. B, Toulouse, France
Charles Clarke should be given the job of Home Secretary again, he did a good job last time and it would actually help restore some confidence in the department!
- Timmy, London
" End of a bad week " ?
Remind me - when did they have a good one ??
- Neill Hurley, Sussex ,
The Council on Foreign Relations together with the Royal Institue for International Affairs ("Chatham House") will have to appoint a new pm then hold a phoney election to pretend that it's the "democratic choice" of the people. Oh dear - the international banksters will be busy this weekend!
- Neil, London, London UK
It surely is the end of doom & bust!
- Joe, Thornton Heath, UK
You all have such short, or should I say convenient, memories, don't you. Can you remember the last 2 years of the Major government after Black Wednesday, when everything he touched disintegrated, everything he said was ridiculed, right down to him being parodied in the media as Superman, wearing his y-fronts over his trousers. The Tories were in a panic situation, convinced they were going to lose the election. Norman Lamont stood in the HoC and humiliated him, just as Geoffrey Howe had to Margaret Thatcher. In her case it worked; she was dragged out of Downing Street and John Major was the shoe-in. He confounded the critics in his party and the media and went on to win. We are not like the Conservatives. We don't knife our leaders in the back a la Margaret Thatcher and John Major, because we think we are going to lose an election. It's called loyalty and the majority of Labour MPs have that in spades. The fairweather friends we can do without. Labour leaders go at a time of their own choosing. You may not wish to acknowledge Gordon Brown's achievements because you are such little people. However, in case it escaped your notice he has been added to the list of the 100 most influential people in the world in recognition of his vision...... Read the citation for yourselves. I don't see David Cameron's name in that elite group, or George Osborne's. They obviously haven't impressed with their 'economic' ideas. Boris is there, though. It isn't over 'til the fat lady sings.
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain
You need a captain on the bridge, even when the captain is unpopular, and all the shells are 'incoming'. I think history will be kind to him (what else could have been done, on his Watch, with his inheritance?) But I'm not voting Lab or Cons ever again - we need (and won't get) a clean break. 4th June is the place to start - give 'em all a message! Start with an EU referendum.
- Steve, London, England
Ted of London, the saying was 'Don't Vote! It only ENCOURAGES them' not discourages. Anyway, I disklike being called a slippery whatever it was and I am certainly not Nu Labour. I would personally say either don't vote in order to show your loss of confidence or DO vote but certainly not for the Tories. It's about time Lib Dems and Green got a turn. We all know what Maggie and Blair were capable of, we don't need any further investigation into war mongering US brown-nosers surely?
- Real, London
In response to Dave Morris, 'we' the electorate did not vote these people in based on true facts. Firstly they 'mis-sold' us their policies (were it a pension scheme or insurance policy we could sue them for a refund), they stealth turned into Nu-Labour aka the New Tories, NOBODY has ever voted Gordon Brown in - in my opinion that should have gone to public referendum, and they went to war in Iraq against our wishes. I guarantee every single person who voted Labour in the last General Election never imagined such things. Even their own MPs are speaking out and Glenda Jackson (the last remaining 'old Labour') is now bizarrely working for a party she doesn't believe in. The whole thing is bizarre. This is one heck of a confused electorate. How can we vote if the party we elect does U-turns on policies?
- Real, London
Brown needs to go for his own sake, he now just looks like a complete waste of time. Worse still he is actually damaging the Labour Party every day he is in power!
WE need a leadership contest within the party and for once i'd like to see a woman take over!
- Rachel, London
I remember some years ago the Queen using her powers and unseating the Prime Minister of Australia.
Does she still have the powers and is there anyone who could have a word in her ear and tell her that we need her?
- R King, UK
Frankly I hope he stays on as he is the biggest electoral liability that the nasty socialists have. I, for on, will never forgive them for their wanton destruction and wholesale betrayal of our country, our liberties and our culture. They have squandered trillions of our pounds in half baked, non productive measures and decimated the public coffers. They have mortgaged the future of our children, who will be paying off Labour's monstrous burden of debt for the next 20 years. Blair needs to be equally condemned as a traitor to this country, he was the smiling assassin who dazzled the public whilst his Chancellor pick pocketed the crowd. It was Blair's reckless immigration policy to allow in millions of aliens in order to dilute our culture and suppress us, particularly the English, that has sown the seeds of suicidal internecine destruction. Blair and Brown should be executed and their heads put on spikes outside Traitor's Gate for what they have done. Instead they will both retire with fat bank balances, oh how times have changed for the traitors of our country.
- Richard K, Nottingham
When someone enters the political arena straight from school, never having lived in the real world, never held down a proper job, never had the opportunity to gain any life experiences. You get someone that can not to relate to the population at large, doesn’t command any form of respect and as such lacks the fundamentals to lead.
That is Gordon Brown in a nutshell; he never had anything to offer because he has never done it, or even seen the T shirt let alone buy it.
Being a self styled member of the political class, his only belief is that he is destined to rule. Unfortunately that is where he and democracy part company; politicians serve the people, because they are members of society. That is why we say democracy is government by the people for the people.
- Ian, Reading, England
Whichever party gets most seats at the next election, the real winners will be the Civil Service. Watch the next government decide to keep stupid ideas like ID Cards because Sir Humphrey has convinced them they're essential.
- Roy, England
Sarit, I like your style! ![]()
- Marianne (Uk National And Tax-Payer!), SW France/London
As one who didn't fall for Noo Liebour's spin and never voted for Bliar I should feel smug but I am not.
Joe,Swanley's email says something I have had a feeling about for a while. This country is ripe for a charasmatic figure to take charge and look after the UK and its citizens, to stop immigration and tell Europe to keep its nose out. I am concerned a Britsh Hitler is just around the corner.
- Dereck, London, England
Sarah Brown "having a word" in her husband's ear about stepping down, as someone here suggested? Must be joking! she's revelling in the high life and the attention,just like her predecessor the Blair witch. The two of them will hang it out until the last possible second of the last possible day grabbing all that they can for themselves in the meantime, just like the rest of the greedy good-for-nothings in power.
- Judith C, London, UK
MR BROWN GO TO THE COUNTRY NOW AND LET SOMEONE ELSE SORT OUT THE SORRY MESS YOU AND THE REST OF YOUR COLLEAGUES HAVE PUT US IN.
- Lou, Horsham
Re Coys Switz message and suggestion to consider Liberal if they could advise who current Lib/Dem leader is I could at least look at what they have to say about themselves but currently they are well of the radar. I liked their last leader who quit because of drinking habit but seem to remember him being a Scot and after last 10+ years of having them killing the UK but looking after their Scottish pals so no more please
- Mike, London England
This Brown fellow is what they call a fencepost tortoise.
When you come across a fence post with a tortoise balanced on top, that's called a fencepost tortoise.
You know he didn't get up there by himself, he definitely doesn't belong up there, he doesn't know what to do while he is up there, and you just have to wonder what kind of idiot put him up there in the first place (thanks Mr Blair).
- Bigmaddog, Barking
Most of the electorate know the extent of the damage Brown has done to the UK but he will never have the decency to step aside as he is only interested in himself.Can someone not persuade Sarah Brown to have a word in his shell and put us all out of our misery.
- Chris, London,England
I don't like that word inevitable especially when it is used in connection with the result of the next general election. Under our two-party system, a government which has failed to grapple with a serious economic situation with vigour, determination and imaginative policies, will be replaced by an opposition party which has no policy of its own. It will simply fall into office. What kind of mandate is that? All the Conservative Party has to do is sit there and power will just drop into their laps. 200 new Conservative MPs, most of them career-seeking opportunists and right-wing inclined, will be elected purely on the swing of the pendulum. What a dismal prospect! And what is the likelihood of a positive response from the people with democracy being further debased in this way? I predict a record low turnout of 50-55%.
- Lionel King, solihull, west midlands
Gordon didn't live upto his reputation as Chancellor. He was well respected then or on occasions more than Tony. It may be same policies brought his downfall. But he can go down the history as one to be well regarded. Only thing he has to do is bring some decree which would remove all the allowances enjoyed by MPs. MP should not get anything more than salary.
- Prasad, SIDCUP
I voted for Labour in 1997. I have bitterly regretted it ever since.
I sincerely hope that they are demolished as any kind of a political party and that even some of them end up in prison for crimes committed.
There are so many examples of what they have destroyed that's is difficult to know where to begin, so I'll only say that I loath them, they are dangerous, bigoted, incompetent, and they hate this Country and the people who live here and I can only hope that the Tories can bring back some sanity.
- Roger, Surrey
Much as I loathed Tony 'go to war on a lie' Blair, he was dead right about Brown. No wonder he hung on so long just to keep Brown out. Now we are saddled with someone who is pig-headed, spiteful, clueless (think of his abysmal record as Chancellor) and totally incompetent to hold the high office of Prime Minister. How much longer does this torture have to go on? Can't the Labour Party put us out of our misery and chuck the man out of office?
- Gabrielle, London
There is a very strong rumour going around some of the blogs that Gordon Brown is about to resign and go into show business. He's apparently to play the Klingon madman Shah-Ton d'Rich in the next Start Trek movie - Klingon, Klingon!
Read all about it here: http://plonquer.blogspot.com/2009/04/gordon-brown-to-star-in-new-star-trek.html
- Major Plonquer, London
Manny Goldstein, here are 3 positive things for you :
He has positively ruined the economy, both from no's 10 & 11 Downing Street
He has positively allowed millions ( that we know of... ) of freeloaders to enter the country unchecked
He has positively destroyed any last remaining scraps of law, order and basic common decency to be wiped off the face of this country in the name of 'fairness' and 'political correctness'....
I could go on but you only asked for three and there are many more 'positives' that can be attributed to both this wretched speciment and his equally wretched predecessor.
- Andy Woodhead, London, England
The truth is all governments have a shelf life. The credit crunch cannot be blamed on Labour anymore than upon the Tories. (They didn't clamour for tighter bank regulation). If Labour had the zest of a new government, recent policy blunders would have been quickly forgotten. (Remember tobacco sponsorship?). It looks very likely that the Tories just need to sit tight and they will win the forthcominmg G.E. I'm afraid I have little faith in them to deal the issues currently facing GB as well. Why not vote Lib Dem. At least that might avoid the excesses of both 'major' parties.
- Coys Switz, switzerland
look at his face. he's not there. we must not have a prime minister in this condition.
- Stephen, london, uk
Hey folks, don't fall for New Labour's slippery supporters' advice re- "Don't vote! It only discourages them". Get out there on the day and VOTE CONSERVATIVE - you know it makes sense!
- Ted, London
When the sleezy Blunkett has to defend you-then you know that you have reached rock bottom. Brown will only need that other adulterer - Prescott to be waving the flag for for him and it will be time to reach for the whiskey and revolver.
Where are Keith and Val when needed to put the positive spin on all this? I could do with a good laugh .
- E. Nuff, London
The bottom line is 'we' the electorate voted these people in, three times no less, its our fault and its about time we admitted our serious error and corrected it, we are after all, the real sovereign authority of these Islands, not Parliament, not the EU, us the people.
- Dave Morris, Sunderland UK
I think the political correct Labour party will get a taste of things to come on the 4th of June in the Euro elections.
This also applies to the other two party in Westminister as the people out there can't tell the different between them wrapped up in political correction.
We will see an emergance of a fast growing new political party that will put the British people and country first.
This party will take no notice of so called activist lobbyist demands that has brought this country in a mess for the last 40 years.
They will begin to put right all the wrongs that these previous government incompetants we see today in broken down Great Britain.
Roll on the 4th of June
- Joe, Swanley Kent
Sorry but you are all wrong. Gordon is a wonderful human bieng full of innocence who is going to save us all. Must be, Keith Price says so ....
Apparantely Gordon is going to star in the new Justice League movie. He's going to play all the superheroes. Incuding Wonder Woman. The man has no limit to his talents.
We are best prepared country in the world for this, best prepared for that. You name it, we are best prepared.
Oh, and he will do everything necessary no matter what it is ...
Muppet.
- Sarit, Hong Kong
So why doesn't someone call for a vote of no confidence and put the poor sap out of his misery?
- Ronnie, Billericay UK
It's laughable watching the disgraced former Labour ministers like Blunkett hinting (none too subtly) that all doomed psycho case Broon has to do is brng him back. Just like the vomit-making Mandelson. They're finished, the lot of them. Praise the the Lord and watch them pass the ammunition of their own destruction.
- Js, Rdbridge
Come on Val and Keith. Tell us all how wonderful labour and brown are!
- Chris, Brighton, England
Neil of London, I couldn't have put it better myself. Anyone who thinks our votes mean anything to the new world order is deluded. The US Evangelical Christian majority vote in their President by means of critical mass and we have no party that represents the wishes of the electorate. Regardless, the 'front men' are not the people who control our world. David Icke speaks a lot of sense on this subject. As a piece of grafitti on the Holloway Road says "Don't Vote! It only encourages them."
- Real, London
Have you seen there is a petition on 10 Downing street website asking for Gordon to resign. Sign it to save the country, well it’s a start. This morning after one week it was at 37,000 people who had signed it.
- Tim, London
One really does not need to be very psychic to read the truth behind Gordon Brown’s pale, emaciated expression. The growing defeat within his tired eyes is comprehensible to many. War veterans used to have the very same look on their faces and it became know as the 1000 yard stare. This expression was a warning sign of front-line trauma and exhaustion. It became named so during World War II. The wretched victim would become indifferent and gaze as if looking at an object a thousand yards off. Mr Brown’s expression herein holds what most of us now know about his sinking Labour ship. They have wrecked the National Health Service, created hardship and health risk factor for millions, via their crazy 2-week bin scheme and committed themselves to policies that have helped no one – not even themselves. This vast administrative vessel initially, like the Titanic, impressed many - yet again, like the great ship, the end is now inevitable and those in charge that attended to the command will have to pay the price.
Pat Regan, author of Dirty Politics and founder of Save Southport Greenbelt
http://www.ssgb.bravehost.com
- Pat Regan, southport
"Having made a fool of himself on YouTube..."
The party that prided itself on 'spin' has now allowed their leader to appear as a grinning, gurning fool!
Who can name three positive things that Gordon Brown has done during a decade as Chancellor or a couple of years as Prime Minister?
If you cannot come up with just one contribution for every four years, then it is not surprising the public will no longer allow him to continue in office.
- Manny Goldstein, London, UK
Labour MP's are quite correct when they say Gordon Brown has gone to pot. I am sure Gordon Brown has had a mental breakdown. Why else would Mervyn King be asked to meet the Queen (the first time in 300 years) and the event be so widely publicised in the mainstream media? I am sure that is why the Queen called Mervyn to say Gordon lost it. You are effectively in charge. Gordon's administration resembles the final few days of the Third Reich with Hitler in the Bunker. Downing Street will no doubt be in Bunker mode with Brown ranting, raving about how his appearence on You Tube, MP Expenses & the Gurkhas were not his fault and that he has been let down by his party. Labour MP will be quaking in their boots as they face up to the inevitable defeat at the next General Election and ask themselves who is going to employ me once I loose my seat? Jacqui Smith will no doubt pick up some directorship in the Adult Entertainment business or maybe B&Q will give her a job for the over 50's on a part time basis selling plugs however as for the rest of them they will thankfully be consigned to the scrapheap. When you look back on the New Labour Project what have Blair/Brown & Mandelson achieved? The answer is not a lot. Time for them to go.
- Rupert, London
Brown should be thankfull he has been Prime minister of the UK. I dont believe anyone has achieved this position more underserving than this man. Go Brown while you can walk, dont be completely humiliated by continuing till the next election, your common sense is in the bottom layer of humanity.
- Lemar, london
If Brown and his failed Labour party had any decency or concern for the UK instead of how much they can milk the system for, while in 'power' they would QUIT NOW and not delay until next election.
- Mike, London England
If Brown's people are worried about Stephen Byers then they must be in real trouble. My perception of Gordon Brown is someone that makes rash decisions under pressure. Publicly he seems almost without personality, privately he's thrashing around like a headless chicken.
- Alex C, London
Excellent news, Keep up the good work Gordon Brown.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke
NHS gone to pot. Industry gone to pot. Skools gone to pot. The police gone to pot. Bankers gone to pot. UK economy gone to pot. House of Lords gone to pot. Housing market gone to pot. The UK is now one stinking pot of databases and MP's expenses.
Just watch the smelly rats climbing over each other as they clamber to vacate the House of Conmen before the balloon bursts goodstyle.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe UK
Labout MP's have a very clear way of getting rid of Gordon Brown/ Support a vote of no confidence if the Tories or Lib-Dems introduce one.
- Ian Gilbertson, Newcastle
He is a dying donkey. Put him, and all of us except the Luton puppy, out of his misery.
- Joanna, london
Not to worry: under Britain's one-party state, the move to a one-world government, world army, world currency and a microchipped, dumb population will continue apace. It matters not who occupies number ten, because all politicians are committed to the globalist totalitarian agenda, since the are all owned by the international banking cartel.
- Neil, London, London UK
Afternoon:
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