An Interesting Thought

With David Miliband not taking an EU job there were unsurprisingly a few whispers that there might be another coup attempt in the offing somewhen before the next elections.  I personally do not think an attempt will now be made to usurp the Prime Minister.  The plotters have already failed to remove the least most popular Prime Minister in recent history, which really shows what little strength they truly have.  Besides, any challenge would almost certainly now trigger an early General Election rather than a leadership contest and too many Labour MP's stand to lose too much money if they get sent home early.

Anyway, the keen eye is on Ministers and ex-Ministers to see who will move first, and who is posturing now ready for a post General Election Labour leadership bid.  There is one candidate that no one has yet mentioned as a future leader of the opposition.  Gordon Brown.

It seems to be assumed that following an electoral drubbing Gordon Brown will step down as leader.  But why?  The man is quite delusional when it comes to his outlook on most things.  He swore that the UK was best placed of all EU and G8 countries to weather his recession.... look how wrong he was, but look also at how he believed it to be true.  He also thinks he has saved the world, and that only he and his mroal compass know what is best for country and party.  Labour failed to step up and remove Brown when they had the opportunity to.  They listened to Gordon's tears rather than what the country wanted.  With a reduced number of MPs in the next Parliament, possibly under 180 seats in total, the task of forced removal may actually be even harder than now under Labour Party rules.  Gordon Brown may just see it as his duty to stay on, he will probably assert that he is the only person who could lead the Labour Party back to past glory, and it may be old hands in safe seats that control that balance and allow him that opportunity.  How will messers Miliband, Straw and Johnson react to that?

Just something to think about.

Worst Coup Ever?

Sky News have interviewed a couple of Labour MPs today (maybe more when I was not watching), who have been critical of Brown but have said that they have had no letter put to them.  Both did not rule out signing the letter.

Well firstly, this has to be one of the most poorly executed coups of all time, it does not have a figurehead and some of its potential supporters have not even been contacted.  What exactly is the plan here, ask people to send a response whilst not putting up an alternative?  All the while, Brown and his henchmen have been able to cajole senior figures into backing him publicly.

Secondly, we have all seen the letter, I published it here, so if you are a Labour MP, who wants to sign it, just print a copy on your letterhead, sign it, scan it and email it.  Simple.  I am not sure what the benefit is of being interviewed on TV news and supporting the need for a change of leader, and then not sending an email will achieve?  The whole world knows the email address.  Or is there some kind of etticate and engraved stationery required with leadership challenges?

With Alan Johnson becoming Home Secretary, and David Miliband keeping his job in the Foreign Office have the email plotters lost their chief candidates to replace Gordon Brown?  And if not, who is there left who is both credible and willing?

The Government Is About To Fall

There will be wide support from the opposition parties next week for the mooted debate on whether to dissolve Parliament, should Gordon Brown survive so long. But as I said yesterday, on full attendance there needs to be a mid-30 swing if all MPs attend, and all non-Labour MPs all vote for dissolution.

The BBC has reported today that there is a letter circling abound the backbenchers, and Iain Dales suggests that has already been signed by around 40 MPs. Although 72 is the magic number there, it is clear that should a dissolution vote take place there are already enough Labour MPs in the bag to make it happen already, before the debate has begun. This situation absolutely makes Gordon Browns Position as Prime Minister untenable in my opinion and I think as the day goes on and more is heard from current and potential ex-cabinet members this situation will progress.

So, Mr Johnson it is time to step forward from the shadows and in to the daylight so as to seize your moment. We do not want a reluctant leader, nor do we need someone who is unsure of the task at hand or their own abilities. If it is you who is to steer the ship in the interim you need to do it with conviction.

I also say again what I have said here before, the only acceptable course of action, and the only acceptable way to reform our system is to call for and deliver a General Election.

If The Labour Party cannot sort this out for themselves then it is worth remembering that the Queen is within her powers to dissolve Parliament herself and appoint an interim Prime Minister. This is the nuclear option and things should not be allowed to get that far. However, considering Mr Browns failure to stand for a leadership election of his party, and the absence of a General Election victory with him as leader gives him little mandate. The argument for continuity in government is lost with the massive deviations from the last Labour Manifesto and what has been provided from HMG; her Majesty herself would be better serving democracy by triggering the election in which the overwhelming majority of her subjects desire.... Like I said before, it is time for Alan Johnson to step forward.