More like this
Labour rebels are wasting their time: Brown is sure to go
The Mole: Rebel MPs are said to be circulating an email to drum up support for a leadership challenge, but Brown will go anyway
Reports that Labour MPs are circulating an email to drum up support to force Gordon Brown to step down within days are doing the rounds in Westminster after a bloody week for the Prime Minister.
It is claimed the rebels are confident they can gather more than the 70 signatures required under Labour rules to force a leadership challenge.
And once again, there is talk of a so-called 'stalking horse' backbencher joining with the rebels to force a contest and fatally wound Brown.
There is, however, a heavy dose of scepticism surrounding the missive in loyalist Brownite circles after suggestions a similar letter or email was doing the rounds earlier in the year proved unfounded.
Similarly, plans by Nationalist parties to stage a no confidence debate in the Commons next Wednesday are not being taken too seriously.
But the speculation in Westminster is that all this manoeuvering - real or imaginary - is pointless. Just as today's Question Time session, which saw the Prime Minister putting up a decent fight, was also pointless.
It is widely believed, even on the Labour backbenches, that the Prime Minister is already doomed. Results from Thursday's local and European elections, which will come in over Friday and Sunday night respectively, are seen as the moment when the Brown premiership will be brought to an end.
And it is thought far more likely that it will be the result of a cabinet-level ultimatum, or a pivotal speech from a former minister such as Hazel Blears. ·
Comments are now closed on this article
Comments
All Gordon Broon wants to do is stay in power until the Lisbon Treaty is forced through,they we are really sunk or as they say "Up the creek without a paddle".
He has to go before that happens,the sooner the better !
Some hope!
Brown is determined to stay and what cabinet minister would seek to disaude him as the party implodes?
Could there be a worse poisoned chalice to take over?
As we have now seen, they have all dutifully lined up to support him and Johnson, laughably touted as a credible succesor, has accepted the role of doom: who survives a spell as Labour Home Secretary for long?
Whoever lead this government now would face electoral meltdown.
Brown has lead them to the abyss; they will now insist he leads them over the edge.