Gordon Brown facing attempted coup as MPs revolt over leadership

reply to post by Grafilthy


Didn't realise Gap were Cuban

Scottish Minister, David Cairns, has just resigned from the government over Brown's poor leadership.

Downing Street aren't very impressed. Two senior cabinet ministers, Hutton and Parnell, refused to condemn the rebels today. Another two ministers are rumoured to be planning to resign as well.

And David Cairns is the next government minister to resign according to BBC News 24. Apparently a queue is forming for the next 72 hours......

Ouch, seems to be getting worse by the day for Brown. You have to wonder though, who are the likely contenders should Brown bow out?

Originally posted by redled
And David Cairns is the next government minister to resign according to BBC News 24. Apparently a queue is forming for the next 72 hours......

The reaction from Brown's supporters are making the matters worse.
Downing Street said he wasn't a team player and was a Blairite - language like that will in flame the situation.

According to reports; Brown is so paranoid that last night Downing Street claimed the Minister for Europe wasn't about to resign (when Jim Murphy gave loyal backing.) Even privately accused Caroline Flint of being a stalking horse

I'm personally quite shocked at the casual firing of the dissenters. Doesn't Brown realise he is looking more and more like a dictator every day? If he feels he should be the PM, should he not agree to a vote and make it official? Didn't John Major do exactly that?

reply to post by C.C.Benjamin


Funny you should say that, the media mentioned the same theory.

With the NEC defending Brown, it seemed like a Communist regime was running the country. Again, which will inflame MPs who are against Brown.

Three MPs dismissed and one resigned. In one week. A government in crisis.

reply to post by C.C.Benjamin


It depends at which way you look at it. When his leadership is being questioned it could be considered politically weak in allowing such vocal dissent go unanswered.

I remember this happening before and Brown was accused of "flip flopping". In sacking them he also sends a clear message to those flirting with the idea that they risk their job should they do so.

On the other hand, it is a risk and can cause further more turmoil for the party, but i personally don't think he had any other choice but to act.

reply to post by infinite


Yeah, the NEC bit gets me, so like if 75 MPs want papers can the cronies still refuse? They said it never happened under Blair, so that's the precedent. Communist PolitBuro indeed.

Originally posted by theblunttruth

It depends at which way you look at it. When his leadership is being questioned it could be considered politically weak in allowing such vocal dissent go unanswered.

I remember this happening before and Brown was accused of "flip flopping". In sacking them he also sends a clear message to those flirting with the idea that they risk their job should they do so.

On the other hand, it is a risk and can cause further more turmoil for the party, but i personally don't think he had any other choice but to act.

I agree that he needs to show firm leadership, but if you can't take the heat, get the # outta the kitchen.

Rather than instantly dismissing anyone who voices a hint of disapproval, you should theoretically make it public and out-debate them, surely?

The full speech by John Hutton here towards the bottom of the page, sums it up perfectly for me.

Make no mistake, these are the words of a man who is sticking the knife in, but covering his back at the same time.

The writing is on the wall, and it will be a political miracle if Brown survives this.