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PM may use 'scaremonger' tactics to fight Cameron
Nicholas Cecil, Chief Political Correspondent30.09.09
Thousands of teachers, transport and council workers would be put in fear of losing their jobs under election tactics which Labour may deploy against the Tories.
Senior Labour figures believe Gordon Brown should adopt the negative campaigning so successfully used against Neil Kinnock 17 years ago.
John Major won the 1992 election after undermining Labour with adverts claiming that millions of people would face tax rises if it won power.
The Standard understands the Prime Minister is being encouraged to turn the tables on the Conservatives with adverts similar to those devised by Maurice Saatchi, but this time warning of job losses under Tory spending cuts.
The tactics could leave Labour open to accusations of scaremongering.
The campaign would aim to move the election away from being a referendum on Mr Brown to a choice on policies, particularly on the impact of public spending reductions.
Mr Brown's allies believe the Tories will come under huge pressure to give more details of their spending plans and, if they do not, Labour would come up with its own analysis.
Reader views (3)
I agree , the default position of Labour is to scare , smear and lie . Remember Damian McBride . Remember Tony Blair's "24-hours to save the NHS " , Remember Gordon Brown's "Your pension is not safe with the Tories "-weeks before removing 20% tax relief on it .
I'd laugh at the audacity of the NHS claim , if I hadn'g had to use it over the last 12 years
Shakey
- Shakey, London
What do you mean "may" use scare tactics. It is the default position of NuLabour. Lord M is the master of it but then he might skip of the sinking ship.
- Aylyn, 03189 Orihuela Costa
BOOOOOOO! GORMLESS BROWN, JOE PUBLIC CAN SEE RIGHT THROUGH YOUR DECEITFUL SCAREMONGERING IDEAS.
PACK YOUR BAGS GORMLESS BROWN AND VACATE DOWNING STREET IMMEDIATELY AS YOU ARE A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE WORST KIND.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe Compound, EUSSR
