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Lightning coup to oust Gordon Brown
Joe Murphy and Nicholas Cecil4 Jun 2009
- Cameron taunts Brown over Cabinet resignations
- Labour backbenchers plot to drive out Brown
- Commentary: Gordon fails to get a grip as Cabinet implodes
- Lib-Dem peer rented second home to MP
- Commentary: Mocking the vulnerable in reality TV feast
- Furious Blears and ‘sisterhood’ lead war on Brown
- Deselected ‘maverick’ may stand as an independent
Gordon Brown tonight faces a lightning coup after the shock resignation of Hazel Blears.
The embattled Prime Minister could be forced to quit in days say senior backbenchers who aim to amass 75 MPs' names on a letter calling on him to go. A possible replacement could be Health Secretary Alan Johnson.
Barry Sheerman, who chairs the Commons children's committee, said that “across the party, there is a disillusionment with the way the parliamentary party has been consulted, treated and valued”.
The plot gathered pace after Communities Secretary Ms Blears quit the Cabinet. Ms Blears dropped her bombshell 90 minutes before Prime Minister's Questions and the day before the local and European elections. As if to underline her message, the minister, under fire over her expenses claims, wore a brooch bearing the words “Rocking the Boat”.
Mr Sheerman said Mr Brown was “heading for trouble”, adding: “If you lose your base of support, and if even the Cabinet starts to feel unhappy with the leadership of the Prime Minister, then that is one indication of unhappiness and it destabilises a regime. If you do that with a broader group of colleagues in the parliamentary party, right across the political spectrum, then you are really in trouble and you've got to do something fast before it gets unstoppable.”
Mr Sheerman is the most heavyweight figure to call on Mr Brown to go. Cabinet ministers are said to be ready to call for his resignation if he ignores the revolt.
One MP said: “It's 50/50 whether he lasts beyond Monday. If he went on Monday night, there could be a new leader by Tuesday and probably a general election in October or November.” Crisis point for Mr Brown is on Sunday night when the European election results are announced.
Labour's rulebook allows the Cabinet to install an interim leader within a day. A formal confirmation process would then be held, open to any candidate mustering 12.5 per cent of MPs as supporters.
But in a blunt warning to the plotters, Lord Mandelson said changing leader would probably trigger an early general election, with disastrous consequences for Labour. In fierce Commons clashes, David Cameron called Ms Blears's resignation “a direct challenge” to the PM's authority — and few ministers disagreed. “The Government is collapsing before our eyes,” said Mr Cameron. No 10 was taken completely by surprise by Ms Blears, who told the Prime Minister in a face-to-face meeting in his study at 9.45. She issued her own statement 45 minutes later.
“Today I have told the Prime Minister that I am resigning from the Government,” she said. Hinting she will speak out in future against Mr Brown's policies and direction, she added: “I am returning to the grassroots . . . to the cut and thrust of political debate.”
It swiftly emerged that Ms Blears was yesterday challenged by Cabinet Office officials, who are trawling through ministerial expense claims, of new concerns about her failure to pay capital gains tax.
Sources hinted this lay behind her sudden resignation and, in later comments, Mr Brown, Lord Mandelson and Liam Byrne all implied that she had decided to go because of the stress of having her claims under scrutiny.
Ms Blears was accused of repeatedly “flipping” her second home addresses to maximise her Commons expenses claims and she then paid £13,000 in capital gains tax.
There was deeping hostility between Ms Blears' friends and No 0 after the briefings she quit over her tax affairs.
A spokesman for Ms Blears said the facts about both her flats and the tax bill had been published on her website since 15 May. “This is not new information,” he said, insisting it had nothing to do with her resignation. A friend of the minister said “a classic smear operation” had been launched against her. In an ominous sign for Mr Brown, he was haemorrhaging support from previously loyal Labour MPs. “The boil is about to be lanced,” said one senior backbencher. Another MP who has stuck by Mr Brown throughout his troubled premiership gave up backing him today. “It's inconceivable that anyone could do worse,” he said. “If a comparison is needed, it is Iain Duncan Smith.” Mr Duncan Smith was forced out by Tory MPs and replaced by Michael Howard as leader before the 2005 election.
In further blows to the Prime Minister, the Standard has learned that Chancellor Alistair Darling is resisting a move to the Home Office. Friends say he has “absolutely no intention” of going to the department vacated by Jacqui Smith.
The dramatic moves, coming after Ms Smith, Tom Watson and Beverley Hughes all announced they were quitting, fuelled the impression that Mr Brown's authority was ebbing fast.
The departure of Ms Blears left Mr Brown speeding up the planned reshuffle. Senior sources said he was this afternoon close to completing what would be a “very significant change in government”, with many senior ministers changing jobs.
But any hope of a smooth relaunch of the Government's fortunes were in tatters after the string of early resignations. Tom Brown, one of the Prime Minister's oldest friends, told Sky News that he would dig in and defy his critics. “I think he is hurting. He doesn't want to be remembered for being forced out of office. I think he will be bunkering down,” he said.
Mr Brown attacked Labour MPs, claiming they were “panic merchants who are not members of the Labour party but members of a self-survival club”. Mr Cameron pointed out that Ms Blears was the minister in charge of local government — making her resignation on the eve of council elections all the more extraordinary.
Lord Mandelson insisted that Ms Blears' departure was solely connected with her expenses. “I don't think it's anything to do with the Prime Minister. We are seeing a huge blowback against ministers from this expenses scandal. Unfortunately, she's paid the price.”
Lord Mandelson said “the Government and the party has to keep its nerve” and praised Mr Brown's performance against the Tory leader in the Commons.
“The Prime Minister was on top of his game and David Cameron wasn't able to land a glove. That's because David Cameron has no substance,” he said.
Loyalists begged the PM to assert his authority or face a full-scale leadership crisis. Labour MP John Mann said he hoped Mr Brown would lead the party to the election. “I hope he will but to do so he has got to go for it,” he said.
Reader views (119)
Unless we take to the streets he will just sit there and make more idiots lords. He needs a shove - a big one.
- Fred, London, 08/06/2009 14:11
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It is time for Mr brown to go, He has allowed all our major assets to be sold off to foreign firms.He is going to allow the Germans to build our latest Army Battle Tank, so much for British work for British jobs.
- Stan White, leeds, 07/06/2009 06:09
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During your reshuffle Gordon will you demote Blair to that of the office cleaner.
- Awesome Geronimo, Leeds UK, 06/06/2009 15:31
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put them all out to grass, they are all tarred with the same brush greed, idleness and lies
- David, marbella spain, 06/06/2009 11:32
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Who would want a cabinet job now? It will surely only last for 11 months at best, 3 months at worst. Believe it or not, the UK is coming out of recession. We need continuity now. But the likes of Purnell and Blears are only serving themselves, and their party - NOT the nation.
- Edward Perry, London, UK, 05/06/2009 08:54
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Make no mistake - this is a Stalinist par excellence:
Presbyterian ? His PRUDENCE in every budget statement
shows he is as bereft of forward-thinking as TUTANKAMUN.
Talamunji.
- Talamunji, Glasgow ,U.K., 04/06/2009 21:56
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When these elections are over what are the odds that at least a couple more Ministers will resign.The so called reshuffle will be a farce,Brown has very few(if any)talented MP's to choose from.Also who would want to join the Cabinet,it would be a job tainted with the fact that you would associated with this discredited Prime Minister and Government.
Brown will have to go,whether he likes it or not.
- Grumpy As Hell, Wimbledon, 04/06/2009 17:33
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This sad, disgusting, deluded little man must go now, before he does anymore damage to this country.
- Dee Jay, Fleet Hampshire, 04/06/2009 13:46
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Let Brown stay - the longer he stays the worse will be the result for Labour. With any luck this loathsome party will cease to exist and be bankrupt after the next election. Each month Brown stays means another couple of their MP's gone. Keep him there!
- Alan, London,England, 04/06/2009 13:20
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This is a perfect smoke screen. Their timing is contrived to remove the glare of public outrage from them the 'parasitic gargoyles' who have without doubt abused this nations trust and the system they themselves have created. I for one hope that Blears is ousted from any kind of public office which is rewarded by the public purse - she and her cronies disgust me. They should be properly investigated by the Police.
- Steve, London, Epsom, Surrey, 04/06/2009 02:52
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This government is falling apart and an election should be ASAP as Labour have no chance of winning regardless now. All these people quiting are only hurting themselves and the party and this shows the true side ofthe Labour party; simply in it for themselves. Good riddance when they are ousted.
- Dirk Diggler, Soho, London, 04/06/2009 02:28
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This government is falling apart and an election should be ASAP as Labour have no chance of winning regardless now. All these people quiting are only hurting themselves and the party and this shows the true side ofthe Labour party; simply in it for themselves. Good riddance when they are ousted.
- Dirk Diggler, Soho, London, 04/06/2009 02:28
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lets hope he goes because:
he screwed up labours chance to reform the entire social system when when they had a majority because of party political beliefs
he said nothing when we went to war in iraq
he has bloated the public sector beyond belief
he takes credit for saving the world from financial meltdown but no blame for putting it there
his only view to having overspent is to tax and print money
he is part of the idiocy that is open borders to all - getting to the uk doesn't make you any more worthy than those that can't and those that can't far outnumber those who do - we need to fix the problem at source including takin healthy UK people off benefit and making them work and not exporting labour to cheap countries - import goods instead
you were never elected
you never will be
you will be the prime minister that never was
go now
- Andy, south east - ex manchester born and bred, 04/06/2009 02:14
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Labour must NOT be allowed to place a second unelected Prime Minister in charge of this decaying country - if they don't want Brown they should be forced to go to an immediate general election - Johnson will be no better.
- Mark, Manchester UK, 03/06/2009 23:57
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I am sick to death of hearing the MP's talking about elections, MP's expenses etc. I wish Mr Cameron would just shut up and focus on being an MP and helping his constituents. They should all be focusing on the economy and the world and getting on with the jobs that really matter. Have a review of expenses, let a team of people look at, but not the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown needs to be allowed to get on and do his job. Based on what I have heard over and over again on Radio 4 over the past 2 weeks I would never vote for Mr Cameron and my level of respect for this bunch of people who are paid to manage the economy is plummeting. Not because of the expenses but because they are not talking about and focusing on what really matters at this point in time.
I do not believe that the Govt is in meltdown, I don't think Mr Brown should stand down, let him get on with his job for god's sake. We do not want to waste money on an election at this time, look to the people who make up this country the population not a few hundred people who are MP's. Get the focus right.
- Cel, Wrexham, Wales, 03/06/2009 23:38
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re:Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain
Go cry in your rioja. The hopeless SS Labour is sinking fast and Captain doom & bust Brown is still trying to fix the hull, the engines, the rudder, the fuel lines, the ....... while his crew row away in the life-boats.
- Joe, Thornton Heath, UK, 03/06/2009 22:21
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Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain - This is the lamest post you have ever made and is contradicted by so many of your previous posts. You sound just like a current Cabinet minister who has been found out, and needs to make spurious justifications for their actions.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, 03/06/2009 22:04
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What will the Conservatives do that will improve a world recession? The answer is nothing. They were the most divisive party to govern in recent times, they have no new ideas, just want Labour out so they can have their turn. They have nothing new to offer Britain.
- Robert, Philadelphia USA, 03/06/2009 21:59
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Sheerman and his friends better make sure that if or when Brown goes it doesn't mean the return of Smith, Blears, Hoon, or any other of the thieving money grabbers. As a labour voter for over 40 years I am disgusted with what Blair and Brown has done to the party. Perhaps a long stint in opposition will give the rank and file a chance to re-group and kick these parasites out and take the party back. Rather a rump of a party with its principles in tact than a governing party which has lost its soul.
- James, london, 03/06/2009 21:49
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Gordon should slap down these idiot plotters and tell them in no uncertain manner to shut up or get out. Put Up or Shut Up, or leave the party, that should be the choice.
A period of silence from the press would be welcome. Stop speculating and just report the news.
- Nick Fell, oxford england, 03/06/2009 21:40
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"Ironic that the previous Government came in and had to clean up the mess that Labour left, and the next Govenment will have to do the same..."
That's what all incoming governments do when the pendulum swings, Sukh. Jaded leadership becomes evident when the party in power forgets that they had to fight to unseat the preceding government to balance out the excesses of political idealism vs. service to the voters who elected them.
...as will those who follow.
Val - good response, as any such would be that leaves out the rhetoric while focusing on entitled perceptions. (Now - if you could just accept that we "right wing oppressors of the working man" are entitled to our own perceptions we will all have had an epiphany in politics ;-)).
- Rogan, Irving, 03/06/2009 21:29
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I find it highly satisfactory that the Duracell Bunny (I love that expression, I wish I had though of it first.) has stepped down from cabinet. I do hope the people of Salford stick a different battery up here RS, which dont run as long as a Duracell. And dump her stealing RS out at the next election.
- Thetruthman, United Kingdom, 03/06/2009 21:20
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#E.Nuff
I don't hate the Conservatives. There are a lot of Conservative supporters I count among my friends. There are Conservative MPs who I like and admire, particularly Peter Viggers, my MP. There are also Conservatives whom I actively despise. I agree there are wealthy Labour MPs and Ministers. Any wealth the Conservatives have is secondary, it's the hypocrisy I can't stand. It's Boris Johnson's airy throwaway line that we, the taxpayers only paid 2/3rds of his mortgage interest relief. It's David Cameron's assertion that 'his' MPs have to stand down because they made claims for things like moat cleaning, and duck islands which, in both cases were never paid. All we hear from Conservatives is how much they wish they could see Tony Blair's expenses. What possible difference would that make. Would it make their greed any less. Would it justify it. Of course it wouldn't. I am not exactly on my uppers, but I don't feel a free bus pass is my right. I don't think cheap fares on the trains are my right. I think these benefits are provided for those who really need them. In the same way I don't think those who have sufficient should fleece those who have least, just because they can.
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain, 03/06/2009 17:36
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as the good ship 'great Britain' slowly slid beneath the waves, captain brown gazed out from the bridge as he prepared to go down with the ship, only to see the entire crew waving joyfully from the one and only lifeboat some way off.
the voyage had been an eventful labour of love in which the crew had grown mighty rich from plundering the nations coffers and pillaging the treasures stored in the hold in trust for joe public.
but now having steered far too close to the recession rocks it was time to search far and wide for gulliable and trusting commoners to dupe and rob.
- M.O'Brien, london.uk, 03/06/2009 17:35
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12 Years after the Torys, Labour have wasted the legacy left to them. Yes they have done good things, but a lot of it is off the back of the recovering economy and low balance sheet the Torys left in 97. Ironic that the previous Government came in and had to clean up the mess that Labour left, and the next Govenment will have to do the same...
- Sukh, london, 03/06/2009 17:33
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I'm embarrassed that this lot are our government. I'm no Labour supporter but I am astounded by Blears' vindictiveness and disloyalty to her party if not to the PM. If they do ditch Brown we would have a second unelected PM and surely we would need an election immediately. Perhaps the Queen will have a word. The honourable and sensible thing to do now is to seek a general election.
- Simon, London, 03/06/2009 17:33
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Gordon fiddles while New Labour burns!!
Mr Brown is a bit like the strange creature out of Dr Doolittle, the Pushme-Pullyou'. It describes New Labour and Brown down to a tee at the moment.
'You Push while I Pull!' is the motto of New Labour, whilst Doolittle Brown watches as the Steam Ship New Labour Titanic slips slowly beneath the waves.
- Uncle Vanya, East Anglia Area UK, 03/06/2009 17:16
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It was clear over a week ago that Gordon was going to get rid of this dreadful woman...so why is it now that she has resigned (jumped before she was pushed) that this is embarrassing to Mr Brown.
- Andy, london, 03/06/2009 17:09
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Glug glug glug - sinking ship.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, 03/06/2009 17:05
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Not a shred of integrity amongst any of them. What an absolute gaggle of muppets we are lumbered with in the House of Conmen.
The real issue here is, simply, MP's are so out of touch with reality that Joe Public does not even appear on their radar. The ONLY thing that occupies MP's time - ALL 168 HOURS OF EVERY WEEK - is HOW MUCH THEY CAN SCREW OUT OF THE CORRUPT SYSTEM WHICH THEY DEVISED, APPROVED AND CHEERFULLY WENT ALONG WITH FOR YEARS ON END, HOPING THAT THEY WOULD NEVER BE CAUGHT WITH THEIR STICKY FINGERS IN THE TROUGH OF TAXPAYER'S CASH.
GORMLESS BROWN IS TO BE PITIED. HE IS DELUDED. HE IS PARANOID. HE IS A CONTROL FREAK.
THERE IS LESS MORAL AUTHORITY IN THE HOUSE OF CONMEN THAN THERE IS AT THE BOTTOM OF MY AFRICAN GREY PARROTS' CAGE.
WHERE ARE THE POLICE?
WHERE ARE THE HANDCUFFS?
ONE LAW FOR JOE PUBLIC AND A DIFFERENT LAW FOR MP's/
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe, Lancaster, 03/06/2009 17:03
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Has Val changed her name to Jessica?
- Phil Jones, London UK, 03/06/2009 16:56
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Alex Lisinge, theoretically we vote for MPs but you know damn well that in practicality almost everyone votes for parties and their leaders. It is a fault of the system that we have no other opportunity to do that. In 2005 Labour was elected with Tony Blair promising to serve a full term. When he stepped down after serving less than half that, there should have been a general election. It would actually have been the best thing Labour could have done to hold one then but a certain someone bottled it.
- Kevin T, Beckenham, Kent, 03/06/2009 16:53
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How long is this travesty continuing: un-elected prime ministers like Crash Gordon were supposed to be a temporary "solution" but he does not want to go away?!?
- Gerogie, Islington, London, 03/06/2009 16:52
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Great idea,lets have a general election now so we can elect with a huge majority a party chock full of MPs who have had their snouts deepest in the trough.
- Colin, barking essex, 03/06/2009 16:48
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Looks like her remark that "ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things" does not apply in her case.
- Nick, London, 03/06/2009 16:47
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Brown is really scraping the barrel if he has to elevate someone to the peerage just to make them a minister. If he is so serious about cleaning up government, he can also make it compulsory for all government ministers, whether senior or junior, to be an elected MP.
It should not be possible for someone to weasel themselves into government by the backdoor of friendship to the PM and a convenient gong.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, Scotland, 03/06/2009 16:46
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FOR GORD SAKE RESIGN THE COUNTRY HATES YOU THEY DONT RESPECT YOU OR YOUR CABINET YOU WHERE AT THE HELM AND YOU NEW ALL THE WHEELING AND DEALING WAS GOING ON AND TRIED TO PULL THE WOOL OVER THE PUBLICS EYES BY KEEPING THINGS SECRET ANY GOVERNMENT WHO TRIES TO DECIEVE THE VERY PEOPLE WHO VOTED FOR THEM ARE NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO THE UK WE DONT WANT A SECRET SOCIETY JOBS FOR THE BOYS CLUB WE WANT TRANSPARENCY AT ALL TIMES AND THE POWER TO GET RID OF THE ONES WHO ARE CORUPT NOT THOSE BLOODY AWFUL SPY CAMS THE PUBLIC ARE SO SICK AND TIRED OF THIS ROTTEN TO THE CORE COUNTRY THE CITIZENS OF THE UK DESERVE SO MUCH MORE WHATS LEFT FOR THEM WHEN THEY CANT TRUST THE ONES THAT HOLD OFFICE,
- James Fennessey, london, 03/06/2009 16:45
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The country is not being governed whilst Labour squabbles and belatedly tries to oust Incapability Brown. New Labour have bankrupted us, squandered our reserves and left us with a mountain of debt that will take generations to clear. Immoral and incompetent, New Labour's only legacy will be infamy. Even as they expire, snake-oil salesman Mandelson is still hissing his poison. Vote them out as soon as the chance comes.
- James Elliott, Eastbourne UK, 03/06/2009 16:44
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quote:
She looked tartish,not like a Mp at all.
- David, st johns wood -united kingdom
David, if tarts could earn as well as Blears, okey but otherwise, please don't compare tarts to this one.
Pigs say they will sue the next person who compares them to politicians.
- Ex London, Germany, 03/06/2009 16:44
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Another un-election prime minister, what a great idea!!
- Cat, Essex, 03/06/2009 16:39
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If Gord had any courage (he clearly doesn't), he could force the party to back him. Broon should tell them he won't quit. But he will hold an early election, e.g. in October. Go down fighting, Broon. At least we might respect you a bit then.
- Gary Chambers, Oxford, 03/06/2009 16:34
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To Val in Mijas Costa Spain:
You keep posting Johnson and Cameron hate mail and seem to be insisting that because of their wealth that they are unfit to govern. Well Hoon and Darling,as well as Brown and Blair, and no doubt many others in the Labour party are millionaires. Hoon and Darling have had to pay money back for claiming two second home allowances, that is theft in my book. You also often refer to Tory sleeaze in Majors government and I agree with you that Parkinson, Aitken, Mellor, Hamilton and all were caught doing sleezy things.I disliked them and wanted the Major government to go. However this current Government have run them close with Mandelson( twice), Blunkett ,Prescott and the MP (friend of Brown ) who's name I cannot recall but took a girl into his room in the House of Commons recently, all proving that Labour can feature in the News of The World as well. What really gets my goat with this current pathetic government is that they promised 3 things at the last election 1) Blair would serve a full term. 2) No increase in personal income tax rates. 3) A referendom on the Lisbon Treaty.
If a government does not honour its commitments and promises it does not deserve to continue. Your faith in Brown and hatred of Tories is touching but I am sure that even you must realise that Brown is a nasty bully and has never earned the right to govern the country.
- E.Nuff, London, 03/06/2009 16:26
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Like a phoenix Gordan will rise to lead the Britian to great things
- Jessica, London, 03/06/2009 16:26
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Malcolm, London yes it was a slip. First timer you see 
I recall the last election when everyone claimed the Tories would run riot. Labor will loose badly tomorrow but they will bounce back. Gordon is a good man with a stronger cabinet of Mandelson and Balls the country will prosper and recover from this dire straits. People are not stupid DC will have more blood on his hands once the expenses are properly released and not leaked in such a manner to cause national stress. I never thought Darling, Smith and Blears helped Gordan. Ed miliband will come forth soon and drag the party into salvation
- Jessica, London, 03/06/2009 16:25
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So 'Bride of Chucky' has gone, so what?
- John Jones, Westminster, 03/06/2009 16:24
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Hang on, this article portrays this as undermining Gordon Brown, but isn't she resigning because she's up to her neck in it with regards to the expenses claims? The person under fire here is really her, for her dodgy financial dealings.
- Gabriel, London, 03/06/2009 16:23
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The 'old thieves' generously left the stage first.
- That didn't work.
Unpopular, thieveing politicians were then sacrificed.
- That didn't work.
Using his baby's memory was unprecedented.
- That didn't work.
Supporting his close but not honourable friends.
- That didn't work.
He is a sad sack but neither he nor B.liar cared about England or its people. However, by being so incredibly greedy and dishonest, it has catapulted the kind Brits into reality.
- Ex London, Germany, 03/06/2009 16:23
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is it commoon(sic) to look this tarty in Salford... I tink not... this woman is a disgrace on so many levels
- David, SOUTHAMPTON, 03/06/2009 16:22
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Poor hapless Gordon - he should have taken heed of that French proverb
' Wait until it is night before saying it has been a fine day.'
- Gvp, London, Uk, 03/06/2009 16:15
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Dear Majesty The Queen
Your loyal, hard working, tax paying, servants of the UK, wish you to stand up and speak on our behalf, as your present Parliment is incapable of making decisions.
How much longer are you going to allow the slander to continue for the world to see, about our corrupt, dishonest MP's (spreading all parties), elected to serve our country as a whole.
This disgrace has gone on long enough. How much more damage must be shown to the world via our tabloids? Our present Parliament is a laughing stock for the world to see.
This once great nation for which you are Queen, wants to get back on its feet. Your humble servants want to work something thousands are being denied, as the Country is crumbling. This of course is not being helped by the fact a high % of MP's are there for the money only - not the love of this Nation and it's subjects.
You have thousands of ordinary loyal servants now suffering financially due to this mess. You will never be short of food on your table - what about us?
Let your ordinary servants now decide what they want, who they want, to represent and help this Country back to the great nation it once was. Lets stop this mess once and for all in Parliment and call a general election. May the best person win and then let them get on with the mammouth task that lays before them.
There comes a time when someone must make a decision.
Your Majesty, please, it's not often we ask as a Nation for your help.
- T. Mullins, London, 03/06/2009 15:58
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The only way forward is for the Prime Minister to seek a dissolution of Parliament and have a general election. I do not believe anyone would have thought to have seen Pandora's box opened to reveal the financial scandals from members of Parliament during the last year of the present Parliament. So let the United Kingdom organise itself for a general election.
- Arthur Lincoln, Roeselare, Belgium, 03/06/2009 15:55
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She looked tartish,not like a Mp at all.
- David, st johns wood -united kingdom, 03/06/2009 15:51
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mandate what mandate? Please go back to your history/constitutional books and study our olitical regime .We don't vote PM.. we vote MPs ans the party that have the majority form the gov't and gets the PM.
- Alex Lisinge, Putney, 03/06/2009 15:35
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So the 29th is Gordy's final day. Nominations close on the 12th ballot papers sent on the 16th
- Ge, Cornwall, 03/06/2009 15:17
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Let's forget the twaddle about "sisterhood", "Blair babes" and the like. These creatures are every bit as unintelligent, cunning, hypocritical, greedy, self-serving and vile as any of their male colleagues. Gender has nothing to do with it. Flies are always drawn to manure.
- A. Cameron, Liege, Belgium, 03/06/2009 15:03
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Val Daniels: Please come back and live in the cess pit that your rabble of thieves have created here in London, and towns across the country.
Try travelling to and from work on public transport, bring your phrase book with you, any language other than english will do, we've got them all here you know.
Your comments make me sick, don't comment unless you are prepared to live here under this communist, thieving, lying paragons of NON virtue!!!
- Mrs, London UK, 03/06/2009 14:47
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Jessica,London - you are as confused as the has-been Brown that you support: "I think Brown will surprise everyone and beat Labour at the next election"!! On the other hand, yes, more than likely that the fool will beat his own side leaving DC laughing more than he is already. And I do remember what life was like under the Tories; a million-percent better than life under this lot of lunatics.
- Judith C, London, England, 03/06/2009 14:47
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Jessica, London, I remember it life under the Tories very well, and life was a whole lot easier for me than it is now.
But then again I am a fully paid up taxpaying member of society, not a gimme, gimme, gimme benefits labour voter!!
- Mrs, London UK, 03/06/2009 14:38
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Jessica, I think you must be the only person left who thinks that Brown is going to surprise everyone! Even his own party are deserting like rats from a sinking ship.
- Jk, London, 03/06/2009 14:37
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As a fellow redhead, I feel very sorry for Hazel. It's time she was PM.
- Maureen Muirhead, South Kensington, London, 03/06/2009 14:31
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Jessica of London - you are correct to remind people what the UK was like under the Tories.
A healthy balance of payments and year on year economic growth.
Falling levels of government borrowing.
Falling crime rates.
A democratically elected prime minister who presided over a healthy cabinet based system of governance.
Let's hope that the incoming Tory government can undo the damage wreaked by the incompetant labour administrations of the last 12 years.
- John Cruddas, London, 03/06/2009 14:29
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Two years ago submitted this definition from my 15-yr-old grand-daughter and suggested that prospective MPs should be required to write 2000 words on the subject as part of the vetting process:
A professional politician is an inherently mendacious person who seeks to achieve actual power or access to it by cynically manipulating people and exploiting situations for the purposes of personal gain regardless of the morality or consequences of those actions.
Discuss.
Perhaps you will now publish this ...
Mind you I paraphrased it for her in more earthy language:
they're a load-a lying, thieving b******s with their snouts in the trough.
Mike V
They're all
A prof
- Mike V, London, England, 03/06/2009 14:28
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Doesn't that look on her face just say to you, "Now what else can I claim on this week?" ...
- John, UK (unfortunately), 03/06/2009 14:19
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So Sue has left the Cabinet to spend more time with Sooty and television politics will be less like CBBC for grownups
- Gaynor Capittle, london, 03/06/2009 14:13
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Brown's power base in Scotland will be decimated come the election. The SNP are the alternative party there and will take overall control.
Not only will Brown go down as the worst PM in history but will also be responsible for the break up of the United Kingdom.
He will certainly never be forgotten!
- Scotty, Cambridge UK, 03/06/2009 14:11
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What about the money? I am not reading anything about the majority of these crooks paying back what they robbed following the rules. What is happening to recoup this?
- Lou, London, 03/06/2009 14:07
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This week has been brilliant. First, Jacqui Smith has gone, today Hazel Blears & God willing by Friday Gordon will have gone as well. To ensure that Gordon goes people need to stop moaning about Gordon & get off their backsides & vote on Thursday for anyone but Gordon.
- Rupert, London, 03/06/2009 14:01
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Jessica from London - slight Freudian slip I think, but you certainly got it right - if anyone can beat "Labour" at the next General Election it's Gordon Brown!!!!
- Malcolm, London, 03/06/2009 13:55
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Hazel Blears has a long history of changing her political views and loyalties to feather her own nest. Her behaviour was and is disgraceful, and the government is well rid of her. If only she would quit Labour and as an MP but that would take honesty and integrity and she has amply demonstrated she has neither.
- Bob, London, UK, 03/06/2009 13:53
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I think the bloody lot of them should go....!!!! This country is a mess thanks to them.
- Anna, London, 03/06/2009 13:48
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I may be alone but I think Brown will surprise everyone and beat labour at the next election. DC is unfit to govern this country, lets not forget what life was like under Tory rule.
- Jessica, London, 03/06/2009 13:36
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"With only 24% of the popular vote in England at the last election they did not have a mandate for diddlesquat. We want our country back, it does not belong to BROWNS CLOWNS"
Trouble is, Mike in London, labour have NEVER had a mandate in England. They've always been a minority party kept in power by Scottish and Welsh voters. Labour are a very un-English party! That explains why labour have always hated the English and have attempted to destroy our culture and also why there'll never be any form of independence for Scotland whilst there's a labour government.
- Chris, Brighton, England., 03/06/2009 13:27
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Sorry Salford the manic chipmunk is coming back to you(sorry chipmunks,I do not mean to demean you).
Sorry to all those Labour constituances your awful MP's are coming home.....do your worst please.
- Nigel, wimbledon, 03/06/2009 13:22
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But "the people I represent and serve" must pay for my expenses obviously.
- Clive, Shortlands Kent, 03/06/2009 13:18
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The Labour Party has made it quite clear that it doesn't hold the same values as us nor is it in the least bit interested in our hopes and dreams for this country: it simply ignores us or accuses us of being politically incorrect whilst grabbing out taxes for its own pie in the sky projects.
Most people I come across want to see Britain restored to some traditional British values and a better quality of life with some discipline in society that enables us to live without fear. The Labour Party has let the country run riot and created a huge gap between the rich and the poor. It has worshipped at the altar of shallow celebrity rather than solid craft skills.
The Labour Party, since Blair, is a a disgrace to its own tradition. As Python might say: it is no more, it is a Dead Parrot.
- Janet, London, UK, 03/06/2009 13:17
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The Labour party have been exposed for the lieing and robbing cum they are and no doubt Ms Blears probably quit to avoid some sort of public scandal. Roll on the elections!
- Dirk Diggler, Soho, London, 03/06/2009 12:59
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One question, would any of the members of the so called honourable house ever paid back one penny if they had not been exposed?
- Jaberwokie, Switzerland, 03/06/2009 12:55
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Her timing confirms that "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned".
On the bright side, her departure will at least raise the collective IQ of the next cabinet.
- John, Dorset, UK., 03/06/2009 12:52
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It seems funny that all these "honest" politicians are suddenly returning to "honest" values.
If the Telegraph had not relaeased the details how many would have coughed up ? Retrospective morality. These are the rats jumping the ship they helped to sink. At least rats were innocent.Let them resign but with no pension or compensation. Many would then try to jump back on board.
- Terry, Hennebont France, 03/06/2009 12:49
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This is the best news I have heard in a long time!!!!
Good riddance to bad rubbish!!
- Dave, Wanstead, 03/06/2009 12:45
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Of course all this is bad news for David Cameron, because he wants to face Gordon Brown at the polls, which will in all probability be an apathy driven humilitation for Brown without Cameron having to do much work to earn it. A change of leader gives Cameron a different set of problems to face
So Cameron should call a Vote of No Confidence in the government after tomorrow's drubbing for the Labour Party, and after the Cabinet reshuffle, so as to galvanise Labour support for Brown's administration (unless the unthinkable happens)
Therafter Brown remains in office and cannot stand down without calling an election first, which if that happens, would have the Labour Party in complete dissaray
- John Bloomfield, Twickenham, 03/06/2009 12:37
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Please to see you go you stupid "people are going to live in social housing and all be friends and happy"woman. All said while she was jumping up and down a 5 year old at a birthday party.
We must NEVER allow these fools to govern again!! They are not working people they are Browns clowns, like him they don't know what work is!!!!!!
Now put them on trial for treason and let the people decide!!!! With only 24% of the popular vote in England at the last election they did not have a mandate for diddlesquat. We want our country back, it does not belong to BROWNS CLOWNS.
- Mike,, London, 03/06/2009 12:36
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Her arrogance is staggering. It will be refreshing not to have to see her face on our screens when the cameras are in Westminster. Now we need Beckett to resign and I might begin to watch PMQs again.
- R.F., Yorks, UK, 03/06/2009 12:31
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This womans arogance knows no bounds, when she says “My politics has always been rooted in the belief that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things, given the right support and encouragement" I presume thats some desparate pathetic attempt to get herself re-elected.
- Howard, London, UK, 03/06/2009 12:14
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It is just a shame this dreadful woman ever made it into government - she is Bliar babe... and has done a great disservice to the country
- Andy, london, 03/06/2009 12:14
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She's going to spend more time with the people of Salford. Three cheers, and three more cheers if the people of Salford vote her out out out at the next election. She is publicly going to criticise Brown is she? Will anybody listen?
- Jilly, London, 03/06/2009 12:11
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Another rat jumps overboard leaving captain Brown to go down with the stinking ship. Good riddance to bad bad bad rubbish. This woman is so demented that she seems to have slipped up her own bottom. Hazel, we the British people do not share your values or your hopes and dreams. We abhor you and what your ilk have come to represent. I for one am hoping that the people of Salford reflect the opinions of this page and vote you out of office. Also, do the honorable thing and refuse to accept any lucrative payoffs for failing the British public.
- Goggs, London, 03/06/2009 12:10
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"My message is simple: get out and vote Labour"
Shouldn't that be "get and vote labour out"!?
- Chris, Brighton, England., 03/06/2009 12:05
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So, she's quit the cabinet, I'm sure the people of Salford are ecstatic at this news. Perhaps if she and the other "resignees" had given up their seats and forced some by-elections then we might be on the way to seeing a new government on the cards.
- Bob, Cheam, 03/06/2009 12:04
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How come she wants to return to grass roots now..only because she got caught..no loss to the country..
- Ken, Paris,france, 03/06/2009 12:01
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Why did she take so long to do it?
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, 03/06/2009 12:00
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Hoorah! Another step in the right direction. When do we get the election we want and deserve? I can't wait for Blears to see how much the people of Salford care for her....
- Mark, London, 03/06/2009 11:56
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Rightly or wrongly, dear Hazel has been royally stitched up. There is something unedifying about all 3 leaders(let's not forget Cleggover) throwing enemies to the wolves in the hope that we'll forget the really wrong-uns. Hoon,Smith,Miliband,Purnell,Darling, Maude, gove to name a few all of whom are far worst from not only the "Flipping point of view but also CGT and claiming for accountants to help diddle their taxes.
In the spirit of fair play I feel she HAS been hard done by so Atta-Girl do a Geoffrey Howe now and NAIL Brown once and for all.
- Steve King, Brentford, 03/06/2009 11:50
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P Doff, audierne france lets just hope the police do a accurate job. I think most of us are cynical the police will but one lives in hope. Blears always came across as a bioengineered mp churned out by spin doctors and party activists. Give me a genuine human any day. You can knock Boris but at least with him, what you see is what you get, another few hundred of them please. People with passion for change not money, less of the sucking up to the leaders and more of the wanting to help the people they are supposed to represent.
- Gary, brentwood 1, 03/06/2009 11:48
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Thank the Lord.
What a slavish, tedious, non-entity of a career politician, utterly devoid of personal opinion.
Anyone watching her tedious droning on Question Time would recognise this woman as the parasite she is.
- Da, london, 03/06/2009 11:46
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She has resigned to spend more time with her expenses. Who really will miss the Duracell Bunny ( in human form ) ? It,s so self indulgent to flounce off a day before an election that you should fighting .
- Don Stone, nw london, 03/06/2009 11:43
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So when is Cameron going to do the decent thing and resign given the amount this multi-millionaire has claimed for 2nd home allowence?
Ah well Hazel will have more time to gather her nuts!
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 03/06/2009 11:42
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"I am going to resign to spend more time with my money." Another thieving MP on her way to oblivion. Good riddence.
- E.Nuff, London, 03/06/2009 11:36
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“I am returning to the grassroots ... to the cut and thrust of political debate.”
When you are back in the real world Hazel, you might be taken as a seriously politician rather than an arrogant has-been, caught with your fingers in the till, devoid of any understanding of the anger this has caused
- John Bloomfield, Twickenham, 03/06/2009 11:36
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That woman lost all credibility a long time ago. I hope she will (try) to behave like a lady. I doubyt it somehow.
- Adrian, London UK, 03/06/2009 11:31
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#Reuben
She's got a way to go before she catches up with multi-millionaires Cameron and Boris Johnson. They're not just parasites, they suck the blood of society for every last halfpenny, even though they don't need it. They are Conservatives, it's in their genes. £16.50 for a Rembrance Day wreath from the Mayor. He makes Ken Livingstone look like Mother Theresa.
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain, 03/06/2009 11:30
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At this rate, by the weekend there won't be a Cabinet to reshuffle!
But it would be "chaos" if we had an election!
Come on Gordon, the game's up. Go and see the Quenn and end this shambles now!
- John C, Leatherhead, UK, 03/06/2009 11:22
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Ironically because she will receive no support from her own Community!
Good riddance.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 03/06/2009 11:21
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Chuckee is on the loose and seeking revenge on all Daily Telegraph journalists!
She was a disgrace and will hopefully get the boot at the next election.
- Pete, N1, 03/06/2009 11:21
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From the comments so far it would seem that readers do not appreciate the true value of Hazel Blears.
Still Brown got close to it describing her behaviour as "totally unacceptable".
I have twice written to her asking if the cheque she flaunted for repayment had been accepted and cashed by the I Revenue.No answer so it could well be another empty gesture costing her nothing.
- P Doff, audierne france, 03/06/2009 11:19
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Good timing Hazel, now you don't have to stand by your Captain Brown on the fast sinking ship. And Captain Brown, your 'explosive reshuffle' is self-explanatory, that hardly anyone is left on board for your reshuffling! Well Captain, I'm afraid you are on your own.
- K Lee, Cheshunt, UK, 03/06/2009 11:10
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Good riddance. Too bad this moner grubbing dishonest woman doesn't step down too instead of all her drivel rubbish about "going back to her "grass roots" Bloody stay there!
- Mel Barrows., Tenerife. Canary Islands., 03/06/2009 11:08
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I hope the people of Salford hold a detailed investigation of Ms Blears use of taxpayers money.
- Jim, london, 03/06/2009 11:07
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'Returning to grass roots', that's a new one. Makes a change from 'spending more time with my family'.The ship is sunk Gormless Gordon and you are to late for the life raft. Hope the sharks don't suffer digestion
- Trevn, Abu Dhabi, 03/06/2009 11:04
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A loss? If so, to whom? Certainly not to the British taxpayer.
- Andrews, Malaysia, 03/06/2009 10:59
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Good riddance Blears ... therte is no room in this day an and age for a smug and arroganmt attitiude towards the people of Great Britain.Now for the rest of the n'er do well government. We neeed an election now...Brown must go!
- Strongbow Sullivan, Paris,France, 03/06/2009 10:53
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Good riddance to bad rubbish
- James, Knaresborough, 03/06/2009 10:53
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WHOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
ANOTHER PARASITE BITES THE DUST.
ONLY ANOTHER 635 TO GO.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe, Lancashire, 03/06/2009 10:51
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Lets hope the people of Salford show her what they think of her.
I still wonder if she has paid the interest on that money she paid back?
Why should we have to pay interest on any money and MP's look to be getting away without paying any?
- P. C., rainham. essex., 03/06/2009 10:51
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She would have done Labour more good by telling people to get out and vote Conservative.
I feel for those poor people of Salford having poison dwarf coming home, by the way is that her second home?
- Dereck, London, England, 03/06/2009 10:51
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On yer bike Hazel
- Albert Hall, hove england, 03/06/2009 10:50
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Hurray! The nodding dog has gone. Will we miss her stupid grin? No! Now we need Gordon to take his ugly mug off too.
- Paul, London, 03/06/2009 10:47
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not good enough! she should have been deselected then prosecuted for theft and tax evasion.
- Showard, london, 03/06/2009 10:47
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Some mistake, surely? Only a couple of weeks ago she was doing a great job. We know this because Gordon Brown said so.
- Bryan Armstrong, London, 03/06/2009 10:41
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