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Now Sir Elton John and friends abandon PM as Labour gala fails to sell out
Joe Murphy, Political Editor11.06.09
Labour has failed to sell out a gala fundraising dinner with Gordon Brown tonight, casting more questions over the Prime Minister's future.
The major event was meant to attract 300 VIP guests paying £500 a head and the party hoped that rock legend Elton John would attend.
However, Sir Elton was unable to accept and a party source revealed to the Standard: "They cannot get rid of all the tickets and are having to give some away and offer cut-price deals on others.
"The whole thing is looking like a disaster but the party is contracted with the venue to go ahead." The Tories' Black and White ball was a huge success, by contrast, raising £485,000 for David Cameron.
Any sign that Labour can no longer count on wealthy supporters and big companies to fill its coffers will increase the pressure on Mr Brown.
A spokesman for Sir Elton said he had been unable to fit the event into his diary. "His diary is booked up 18 months ahead," he said.
It comes at a time that MPs are talking increasingly seriously about ousting Mr Brown in the autumn and fighting a May 2010 election under a new leader.
One senior MP said: "People are determined to do it. I do not believe Gordon Brown will lead us at the next election."
The Prime Minister will tomorrow attempt to rally his Cabinet with a plan to fight for an historic fourth term.
With Lord Mandelson, he will brief ministers at a special three-hour session on the Building Britain's Future document, setting out plans to overcome the slump and for economic recovery.
Gordon Brown was today accused of packing the Lords with his cronies.
The Prime Minister, who has unveiled a package of constitutional reforms, has given peerages to 10 individuals so they can become ministers.
Shadow justice secretary Dominic Grieve said: "How can the public take his calls for reform seriously when he is currently filling the Lords with appointees and his Government with unelected ministers?"
Reader views (10)
He should offer a peerage with every ticket sold.
- Lickyalips, Richmond, Surrey
I am not surprised that McBroon is offering peerages in return for friendship. It's the only way he will get any friends. It's the political equivalent of kerb-crawling.
- Peter Sykes, Tivat, Montenegro
More pudding for keith then !
- Joanna, london
Pity the gala was so soon - I would have liked some tickets to raffle.
1st Prize: a ticket to Labour Party Gala
2nd prize: two tickets..................
- John Wood, Hull
Dear All
Tickets unsold no problem!
Readvertise the event as an S & M party and see the money roll in from the rich and the famous.
Alternatively you could try raffling tickets.
If there is a 'throw a pie at Gordon Brown' I would be willing to risk a £1 on a ticket.
Yours sincerely
George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University
- George Laird, Glasgow, Scotland
*Neil45: Yes, Gormless Brown's arrogance does beggar belief.
THE MAN IS SO FAR REMOVED FROM REALITY HE HAS ACTUALLY BECOME A DANGER TO HIMSELF, AS WELL AS AN INCREASED DANGER TO JOE PUBLIC.
GORMLESS BROWN HAS WELL AND TRULY MADE THE UK BANKRUPT.
IT WILL NOW TAKE AT LEAST 30 YEARS TO CLEAR LABOUR'S DEBT ON THE BRITISH PEEPS.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe UK
Unelected jokers night out Kinock - Mandleson - Sugar - Brown - Labour.
Wash out
- Geri, London
Gordon would have to buy a lot of drinks to get me to appear anywhere with him!
- Mark, London
They've just realised it's not Brown's farewell party!
- Sonia M., St Albans, Herts
The arrogance of Gordon Brown beggars belief. He continually tells us that he is the "best person" to lead the country. He says it in a way which leads one to think he imagines himself as indispensible. If this is the case he ought to think long and hard on General Charles de Gaulle's wise words when he was told he was the only person who could lead France and was asked to run again for President. He dclined the offer and said, "The cemeteries are full of indispensible people."
- Neil45, Gloucestershire, England.
