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Prime ministers

Labour Backbenchers Plot to Oust Gordon Brown

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a shocking revelation, a group of Labour MPs is allegedly planning to send emails to colleagues within the next week to oust Prime Minister Gordon Brown following expected drubbings in local and European elections. The plot, which involves previously loyal Labour MPs, comes as Brown is facing mounting pressure to assert his authority and prevent a full-scale leadership crisis. Despite efforts by loyalists to prop up the Prime Minister, Brown has suffered two significant setbacks in the past 24 hours, including a withdrawal of support from The Guardian newspaper and rumors that Alistair Darling could resign from Government if demoted.

Key Takeaways:

  • A group of Labour MPs is planning to send emails to colleagues within the next week to oust Prime Minister Gordon Brown after expected drubbings in local and European elections.
  • The plot involves previously loyal Labour MPs, including some who have been supportive of Brown in the past.
  • Brown is facing mounting pressure to assert his authority and prevent a full-scale leadership crisis, with The Guardian newspaper publicly withdrawing its support in a scathing editorial.
  • Alistair Darling's future in Government is uncertain, with rumors circulating that he could resign if demoted.
  • The Guardian's editorial called for Labour to "cut he loose," suggesting that the party should replace Brown as leader.
  • Former deputy leader Roy Hattersley and Lord Falconer have expressed support for Brown, but only as a temporary measure until the crisis passes.
  • Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has accused Brown of being "in power but not in control."
  • Cabinet ministers, including Harriet Harman, have defended Brown, but their efforts have been undermined by the internal divisions within the party.

Statistics:

  • 1 week: The timeframe in which Labour MPs plan to send emails to colleagues to oust Brown.
  • 2 significant setbacks: Brown has suffered two heavy blows in the past 24 hours, including a withdrawal of support from The Guardian newspaper and rumors about Alistair Darling's potential resignation.
  • 14: The page number on which The Guardian's scathing editorial was published.
  • 1 year: The amount of time Labour has left before an election, which The Guardian's editorial suggests would be wasted with Brown as leader.

Sources:

  • The Standard
  • The Guardian newspaper
  • The Guardian's editorial (Page 14)
  • BBC News ( quoted Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg)
  • The Telegraph (quoted Roy Hattersley and Lord Falconer)

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