Danny Alexander, the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury, appears to be in the clear over claims that he avoided paying Capital Gains Tax.
His new job is safe as he did not break any rules over the designation of his main home.
However, questions have been raised about David Cameron's decision to replace David Laws with Mr Alexander at the Treasury.
Unlike his predecessor, Mr Alexander does not have an economic or banking background.
More importantly, it is being suggested that the Prime Minister was obliged to appoint another Lib Dem MP as Mr Laws' successor, no matter how inexperienced. The objective of this was to keep the same balance of Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in the Cabinet and thus avoiding any upset to the equilibrium of the Coalition.
Monday, 31 May 2010
Sunday, 30 May 2010
Alexander Succeeds Laws As Treasury Chief Secretary
Douglas Alexander has taken over from David Laws as Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
The departure of Mr Laws from from the Cabinet will be sorely felt across Government. His City background made him an ideal candidate for the job of reducing the country's huge budget deficit.
Mr Alexander will be up against a very steep learning curve to ensure he is ready to fill Mr Laws' shoes this week.
The departure of Mr Laws from from the Cabinet will be sorely felt across Government. His City background made him an ideal candidate for the job of reducing the country's huge budget deficit.
Mr Alexander will be up against a very steep learning curve to ensure he is ready to fill Mr Laws' shoes this week.
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Laws Resigns As Chief Secretary To The Treasury
The political world really moves fast!
No sooner as I posted my last blog entry on David Laws' woes, it is reported that he has now resigned.
An end to what has to be one of the shortest ministerial careers in history.
Given the media frenzy that has been generated over this story, there was no way he would have survived.
On a personal level, I feel sorry for Mr Laws; it really is a very swift fall from grace.
However, in stepping aside, and putting the interests of the government and the country before his own career, most will agree that he has behaved with dignity and done the honourable thing.
No sooner as I posted my last blog entry on David Laws' woes, it is reported that he has now resigned.
An end to what has to be one of the shortest ministerial careers in history.
Given the media frenzy that has been generated over this story, there was no way he would have survived.
On a personal level, I feel sorry for Mr Laws; it really is a very swift fall from grace.
However, in stepping aside, and putting the interests of the government and the country before his own career, most will agree that he has behaved with dignity and done the honourable thing.
Will David Laws Be First Casualty Of New Coalition?
The Liberal Democrat Chief Secretary to the Treasury, David Laws, could quite possibly be the new government's first casualty.
The MP, who only last week, was in the spotlight spelling out to the nation huge proposed cuts in public spending, has found himself embroiled in a row about his expenses and a nine-year homosexual relationship that he had desperately tried to keep out of the public eye.
One has to have a certain amount of sympathy for Mr Laws, who is very popular amongst his constituents and is, by all accounts, an excellent Member of Parliament. This is coupled with the fact that he has only been in his job for a couple of weeks and for the first time in many years, the Liberal Party are now in government.
But can Mr Laws survive?
I'd say the odds are very much stacked against him. Given the fact that MPs' expenses were under such scrutiny in the last Parliament, many people are now asking why he, Mr Laws, did not come clean and declare tens of thousands of pounds in expenses at a time when many of his fellow MPs did.
Things really do look bad for the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
The timing of this episode could not be worse. We are in a new political era, defined by a different kind of politics. David Cameron was at great pains to state that the new Coalition was a fresh start for Britain, after thirteen years of Labour misrule.
Despite there now being a new government, many people will reach the conclusion that nothing has changed.
The MP, who only last week, was in the spotlight spelling out to the nation huge proposed cuts in public spending, has found himself embroiled in a row about his expenses and a nine-year homosexual relationship that he had desperately tried to keep out of the public eye.
One has to have a certain amount of sympathy for Mr Laws, who is very popular amongst his constituents and is, by all accounts, an excellent Member of Parliament. This is coupled with the fact that he has only been in his job for a couple of weeks and for the first time in many years, the Liberal Party are now in government.
But can Mr Laws survive?
I'd say the odds are very much stacked against him. Given the fact that MPs' expenses were under such scrutiny in the last Parliament, many people are now asking why he, Mr Laws, did not come clean and declare tens of thousands of pounds in expenses at a time when many of his fellow MPs did.
Things really do look bad for the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
The timing of this episode could not be worse. We are in a new political era, defined by a different kind of politics. David Cameron was at great pains to state that the new Coalition was a fresh start for Britain, after thirteen years of Labour misrule.
Despite there now being a new government, many people will reach the conclusion that nothing has changed.
Friday, 28 May 2010
Prezza Gets A Peerage
Congratulations to John Prescott on being awarded a Peerage in the Dissolution Honours List.
Recognition for his very long years of service to the Labour Party and this country.
I am happy too, that John Reid is now in the Lords, having held so many Cabinet posts.
Recognition for his very long years of service to the Labour Party and this country.
I am happy too, that John Reid is now in the Lords, having held so many Cabinet posts.
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Labour Needs A Leader Who Can Communicate Like Tony Blair
http://labourlist.org/labours-new-leader-must-have-the-right-values---but-must-also-be?utm_source=taomail&utm_m
This article illustrates the point I made in an earlier post.
There is no doubt that Gordon Brown had the right values to take the Party and the country forward, but Labour lost power because of a failure at the top to communicate effectively with the British people.
We need to find someone who has these values but can also deliver Labour's message to the electorate in the way Tony Blair did in 1997.
This article illustrates the point I made in an earlier post.
There is no doubt that Gordon Brown had the right values to take the Party and the country forward, but Labour lost power because of a failure at the top to communicate effectively with the British people.
We need to find someone who has these values but can also deliver Labour's message to the electorate in the way Tony Blair did in 1997.
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Should Harriet Harman Stay On As Labour's Deputy Leader?
All the signs are that Harriet Harman will remain Deputy Leader of the Labour Party after this Autumn's election to succeed Gordon Brown.
Is this right? I don't agree.
Ms Harman may have many years of parliamentary experience on her side, both in opposition and government. I personally, have always been very impressed with her performances at the Despatch Box, standing in at PMQs, and most recently, in the Queen's Speech debate.
However, there is no running away from the fact that she was part a leadership ticket, along with Mr Brown, that failed to secure a fourth successive election victory for Labour.
If Labour are to win back power at the next election, then they need to present a new team and fresh image to the electorate. We need a Deputy Leader who will more effectively deliver Labour's message to the British people.
This means that those who have had their time in Government must step aside and allow others the chance to take the party forward.
Is this right? I don't agree.
Ms Harman may have many years of parliamentary experience on her side, both in opposition and government. I personally, have always been very impressed with her performances at the Despatch Box, standing in at PMQs, and most recently, in the Queen's Speech debate.
However, there is no running away from the fact that she was part a leadership ticket, along with Mr Brown, that failed to secure a fourth successive election victory for Labour.
If Labour are to win back power at the next election, then they need to present a new team and fresh image to the electorate. We need a Deputy Leader who will more effectively deliver Labour's message to the British people.
This means that those who have had their time in Government must step aside and allow others the chance to take the party forward.
Coalition Academy Proposals Recipe For Two-Tier Education System
I listened with interest today to Michael Gove's official launch of the Coalition's plans to encourage every state school to become an Academy.
I, like Ed Balls, have no doubt that these proposals will lead to state funds being sucked out of schools in poorer areas and a creation of a two-tier system.
I am in total agreement with his assessment.
Mr Balls has been very impressive since launching his campaign for the Labour Party Leadership. Could he be the Dark Horse in this race?
I, like Ed Balls, have no doubt that these proposals will lead to state funds being sucked out of schools in poorer areas and a creation of a two-tier system.
I am in total agreement with his assessment.
Mr Balls has been very impressive since launching his campaign for the Labour Party Leadership. Could he be the Dark Horse in this race?
David Miliband Officially Candidate To Succeed Brown
David Miliband has now secured enough nominations from fellow Labour MPs to stand as a candidate for the next Leader of the Party.
He already has the support of other ex-ministers so still remains well-positioned to win.
I hope Ed Balls will also achieve enough support to stand too.
After the coronation of Gordon Brown, which in my view, was a huge mistake, this contest needs to be as wide as possible without becoming too divisive.
I am sure that Labour has learnt from the mistakes of past spells in Opposition and will show the discipline required to unite totally behind the new leader.
This will allow the Party to fully focus on exposing the flaws in the new coalition which, I am certain, will run into trouble before too long.
He already has the support of other ex-ministers so still remains well-positioned to win.
I hope Ed Balls will also achieve enough support to stand too.
After the coronation of Gordon Brown, which in my view, was a huge mistake, this contest needs to be as wide as possible without becoming too divisive.
I am sure that Labour has learnt from the mistakes of past spells in Opposition and will show the discipline required to unite totally behind the new leader.
This will allow the Party to fully focus on exposing the flaws in the new coalition which, I am certain, will run into trouble before too long.
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Ed Miliband Surprise First Name On Labour Leadership Ballot Paper
Ed Miliband has become the first Labour Party Leadership Contender to secure enough nominations for his name to go on the ballot paper.
It is surprising that is he, and not older brother David who has been quickest to garner the support of the required number of MPs to qualify as a candidate.
It will be interesting to see the direction in which the Labour Party now turns.
It is surprising that is he, and not older brother David who has been quickest to garner the support of the required number of MPs to qualify as a candidate.
It will be interesting to see the direction in which the Labour Party now turns.
Monday, 24 May 2010
Coalition Cuts Plan Dangerously Short On Specifics
George Osborne and David Laws made their long-awaited announcement on their plans to immediately cut public spending by £6bn.
We already knew that the axe would fall on areas such as Quangos and IT, but the statement today lacked any real detail on which specific projects would suffer.
That there was no specific guarantee to protect concessionary transport was particularly disappointing.
Most worrying of all was the announcement of the cuts to Local Government and that grants to local authorities from Whitehall will no longer be ring-fenced.
What exactly does this mean for the electorate?
David Cameron has repeatedly said that the elderly and the vulnerable will be protected, but with more announcements to come in the Budget and the spending review in the autumn, I fear really savage spending cuts will inevitably follow.
We already knew that the axe would fall on areas such as Quangos and IT, but the statement today lacked any real detail on which specific projects would suffer.
That there was no specific guarantee to protect concessionary transport was particularly disappointing.
Most worrying of all was the announcement of the cuts to Local Government and that grants to local authorities from Whitehall will no longer be ring-fenced.
What exactly does this mean for the electorate?
David Cameron has repeatedly said that the elderly and the vulnerable will be protected, but with more announcements to come in the Budget and the spending review in the autumn, I fear really savage spending cuts will inevitably follow.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Cameron's Cabinet Of Losers
What a difference a week makes.
No more than a few days ago the possibility of a 'rainbow' coalition, led by Labour and the Liberal Democrats, was still likely.
However such an arrangement was lambasted by the Tory Party and their friends in the Press as being a coalition of 'losers'.
Now, of course, David Cameron and Nick Clegg have got their wish and we have Conservatives and Liberal Democrats sitting side by side in Cabinet; people who were at each others' throats a few short weeks ago.
But, in this poor economic climate who has Cameron picked to carry out two of the most important jobs in Government?
At the Foreign Office, we now have William Hague. A man who, in 2001, led the Conservatives to almost their worst poll defeat in living memory. Who can forget his pathetic, one-issue 'Save the Pound' election campaign? Now he is in charge of one the four Great Offices of State.
And at a time when unemployment is going up and dealing with the economy is the number one priority, who do we now have running the Department of Work and Pensions? None other than Iain Duncan-Smith, who was so ineffectual as Conservative Leader, that he was unceremoniously dumped by the Party after just two years.
What's more, Ken Clarke, who held the posts of Chancellor, Home Secretary and many other positions in Cabinet and is so associated with the discredited last years of the previous Conservative government, has now been made Justice Secretary. Is this who we now have responsible for Law and Order in this country?
And is if that wasn't bad enough, many veterans of the Shadow Cabinet now have Government jobs. Theresa May, who once described the Tories as the 'nasty party', is a prime example.
So much for Cameron's talk of a fresh team.
If the Tories want to talk about a Government of losers, then they should definitely look closer to home.
No more than a few days ago the possibility of a 'rainbow' coalition, led by Labour and the Liberal Democrats, was still likely.
However such an arrangement was lambasted by the Tory Party and their friends in the Press as being a coalition of 'losers'.
Now, of course, David Cameron and Nick Clegg have got their wish and we have Conservatives and Liberal Democrats sitting side by side in Cabinet; people who were at each others' throats a few short weeks ago.
But, in this poor economic climate who has Cameron picked to carry out two of the most important jobs in Government?
At the Foreign Office, we now have William Hague. A man who, in 2001, led the Conservatives to almost their worst poll defeat in living memory. Who can forget his pathetic, one-issue 'Save the Pound' election campaign? Now he is in charge of one the four Great Offices of State.
And at a time when unemployment is going up and dealing with the economy is the number one priority, who do we now have running the Department of Work and Pensions? None other than Iain Duncan-Smith, who was so ineffectual as Conservative Leader, that he was unceremoniously dumped by the Party after just two years.
What's more, Ken Clarke, who held the posts of Chancellor, Home Secretary and many other positions in Cabinet and is so associated with the discredited last years of the previous Conservative government, has now been made Justice Secretary. Is this who we now have responsible for Law and Order in this country?
And is if that wasn't bad enough, many veterans of the Shadow Cabinet now have Government jobs. Theresa May, who once described the Tories as the 'nasty party', is a prime example.
So much for Cameron's talk of a fresh team.
If the Tories want to talk about a Government of losers, then they should definitely look closer to home.
Friday, 14 May 2010
Labour Must Avoid Lurching To The Left In Opposition
http://www.labourlist.org/no-left-turn?utm_source=taomail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2777+Communication,+Fri+14th+May+2010&tmtid=30194-2777-6-1-1297
The Labour Party must not repeat the mistakes of Opposition in the 1980s and the Tories 1997-2005. The Party must remain all-inclusive and stay on the centre-ground. Only then will they have a chance of returning to Government in five years time.
The Labour Party must not repeat the mistakes of Opposition in the 1980s and the Tories 1997-2005. The Party must remain all-inclusive and stay on the centre-ground. Only then will they have a chance of returning to Government in five years time.
Thursday, 13 May 2010
David Miliband Favourite To Succeed Brown As Labour Leader
Former Foreign Secretary David Miliband has emerged as the favourite to succeed Gordon Brown as leader of the Labour Party following the latter's resignation.
Other ex-ministerial heavyweights are expected to join him in the upcoming leadership contest. Ed Balls and Ed Miliband are likely to stand, along with left-wing outsider John McDonnell.
We could potentially be looking at a contest between the two Miliband brothers.
However, David has age and more more senior Cabinet experience on his side and would be my choice as the new leader.
Ed, on the hand, has been closer to Gordon Brown than his older sibling. And with Brown's protegee, Ed Balls, also a possible contender, the link of these two men with someone who led Labour to defeat after 13 years in Government, may undermine their chances of taking the top job.
It will be very interesting to see who else throws their hat into the ring.
Other ex-ministerial heavyweights are expected to join him in the upcoming leadership contest. Ed Balls and Ed Miliband are likely to stand, along with left-wing outsider John McDonnell.
We could potentially be looking at a contest between the two Miliband brothers.
However, David has age and more more senior Cabinet experience on his side and would be my choice as the new leader.
Ed, on the hand, has been closer to Gordon Brown than his older sibling. And with Brown's protegee, Ed Balls, also a possible contender, the link of these two men with someone who led Labour to defeat after 13 years in Government, may undermine their chances of taking the top job.
It will be very interesting to see who else throws their hat into the ring.
After The Love-in, Reality Bites
Yesterday heralded the beginning of a new political era.
Nick and Dave went out of their way to show a united front at the news conference hastily convened in the garden of Number 10.
Having seen these two men attack each other so vigorously just a couple of weeks ago, it is hard to believe that they are now colleagues in government, working with a common purpose.
Dealing with the economy and cutting the huge budget deficit is clearly top of the agenda.
The new government faces making decisions which will not be popular with the electorate. Already we know of the plans to make |£6bn worth of spending cuts this financial year. Crucial services such as housing will be hit.
Now there is talk of raising VAT to 20%.
It is significant that Cameron has appointed Lib Dem David Laws as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. He will be the man responsible for deciding where the spending axe will fall in the government's quest to cut the budget deficit.
Those Lib Dem activists unhappy with their Leader getting into bed with the Tories in the first place will now have a convenient scapegoat at which to vent their anger during this new age of austerity.
This generation of Members will never forgive the Leadership for what they have done.
The Party will be totally wiped out at the next election.
In my mind they have committed electoral suicide.
Nick and Dave went out of their way to show a united front at the news conference hastily convened in the garden of Number 10.
Having seen these two men attack each other so vigorously just a couple of weeks ago, it is hard to believe that they are now colleagues in government, working with a common purpose.
Dealing with the economy and cutting the huge budget deficit is clearly top of the agenda.
The new government faces making decisions which will not be popular with the electorate. Already we know of the plans to make |£6bn worth of spending cuts this financial year. Crucial services such as housing will be hit.
Now there is talk of raising VAT to 20%.
It is significant that Cameron has appointed Lib Dem David Laws as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. He will be the man responsible for deciding where the spending axe will fall in the government's quest to cut the budget deficit.
Those Lib Dem activists unhappy with their Leader getting into bed with the Tories in the first place will now have a convenient scapegoat at which to vent their anger during this new age of austerity.
This generation of Members will never forgive the Leadership for what they have done.
The Party will be totally wiped out at the next election.
In my mind they have committed electoral suicide.
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Lib Dems Sold Down The River On Electoral Reform
The Lib Dems, in their thirst for power, have sold their supporters down the river on electoral reform.
As three of the four great offices of state have gone to Conservatives, I hope that a Lib Dem will at least get the Home Secretary's job.
As three of the four great offices of state have gone to Conservatives, I hope that a Lib Dem will at least get the Home Secretary's job.
David Cameron Now Prime Minister
We wait to see the fine details of the coalition deal between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.
David Cameron has a very difficult road ahead.
David Cameron has a very difficult road ahead.
Brown Dignified And Emotional On Leaving Downing St As PM
My heart goes out to Gordon Brown having just witnessed the PM leave Downing Street for the last time.
He can be very proud of his role as architect of New Labour and all that he has achieved as Chancellor and Prime Minister.
His place in history is assured.
I wish Gordon, Sarah and his family all the best for the future and hope that they continue to contribute to public life.
He can be very proud of his role as architect of New Labour and all that he has achieved as Chancellor and Prime Minister.
His place in history is assured.
I wish Gordon, Sarah and his family all the best for the future and hope that they continue to contribute to public life.
Who Will Be In New Coalition Cabinet?
Speculation is rife on the make-up of the new Conservative-Liberal Democrat Cabinet.
I would be surprised if George Osborne takes the Chancellor's job; more than likely it will go to Vince Cable or another senior Lib Dem.
We shall see.
I would be surprised if George Osborne takes the Chancellor's job; more than likely it will go to Vince Cable or another senior Lib Dem.
We shall see.
Conservative Lib Dem Coalition Will Fail In The Long Term
It looks as if we will have a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition in the next few hours.
However, with electoral reform so high on the Lib Dems' agenda, any attempt by the Conservatives to renege on any promises made as part of putting together a coalition government, will no doubt lead to the collapse of any power-sharing administration.
I am certain that we are facing the prospect of another General Election within the next twelve months and that a rejuvenated Labour Party, under a new Leader, will win power again.
However, with electoral reform so high on the Lib Dems' agenda, any attempt by the Conservatives to renege on any promises made as part of putting together a coalition government, will no doubt lead to the collapse of any power-sharing administration.
I am certain that we are facing the prospect of another General Election within the next twelve months and that a rejuvenated Labour Party, under a new Leader, will win power again.
UK Still In Limbo After General Election
Hard to believe what has happened since the General Election.
The British Political system has been turned upside down with the resulting Hung Parliament.
Even if a Conservative-LibDem coalition does prevail in the short term, I don't think it will last more than a year or two. There are too many members of both parties who will be very unhappy with such an arrangement.
The offer by the Conservatives to have a vote on AV will not satisfy the majority of Lib Dem members who want PR and will see any agreement by Clegg with the Tories on this basis as a sell-out. And those in the Tory Party vehemently opposed to a change to the current FPPS sysem will be equally angry.
Both Cameron and Clegg are putting their necks on the line. Cameron even more so, as there is huge disquiet in the Tory party at his failure to win a majority after such a concerted effort to convince the electorate that the Conservatives have changed since 1997. Clearly most people do not think so.
I would much prefer to see a rainbow coalition between Labour, the Lib Dems and the other smaller parties, rather than one between the Tories and the Lib Dems, but the arithmetic for the former does not stand up and they would have only the thinnest of majorities.
I also feel that with Gordon Brown standing down as Labour Leader, a leadership election will be a distraction for Labour in their efforts to form a stable coalition government.
I think the most likely outcome will be a short-term Lib Dem Tory coalition with fresh elections within a year.
That will give Labour a chance to re-group in Oppostion, emerging under a new leader with a fresh mandate ready to face the Tories in new elections just months away.
The British Political system has been turned upside down with the resulting Hung Parliament.
Even if a Conservative-LibDem coalition does prevail in the short term, I don't think it will last more than a year or two. There are too many members of both parties who will be very unhappy with such an arrangement.
The offer by the Conservatives to have a vote on AV will not satisfy the majority of Lib Dem members who want PR and will see any agreement by Clegg with the Tories on this basis as a sell-out. And those in the Tory Party vehemently opposed to a change to the current FPPS sysem will be equally angry.
Both Cameron and Clegg are putting their necks on the line. Cameron even more so, as there is huge disquiet in the Tory party at his failure to win a majority after such a concerted effort to convince the electorate that the Conservatives have changed since 1997. Clearly most people do not think so.
I would much prefer to see a rainbow coalition between Labour, the Lib Dems and the other smaller parties, rather than one between the Tories and the Lib Dems, but the arithmetic for the former does not stand up and they would have only the thinnest of majorities.
I also feel that with Gordon Brown standing down as Labour Leader, a leadership election will be a distraction for Labour in their efforts to form a stable coalition government.
I think the most likely outcome will be a short-term Lib Dem Tory coalition with fresh elections within a year.
That will give Labour a chance to re-group in Oppostion, emerging under a new leader with a fresh mandate ready to face the Tories in new elections just months away.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Brown At Brilliant Best In Final Campaign Speech
Gordon Brown was at his absolute best during his final campaign rally speech. He has kept fighting and his nerve in the face of the increasingly hostile media and press.
On this day, May 6, 2010, people have a clear choice between Labour who will continue to steer us through the recovery, and the Conservatives, who will take us back into recession and wreck it with their savage cuts to public services.
Gordon Brown has the experience and right policies to take us into the future.
David Cameron may look young, fresh and energetic, but his plans will take us back to the past and the dark days of the 1980s. He is only interested in the priveleged few and will not care one iota about the hard-up majority.
I say think very carefully before you vote today.
Think of what you have gained under Labour in the last thirteen years.
Think of what you will lose under a Conservative government.
Labour is our only hope.
Come home to Labour.
Vote Labour today!
On this day, May 6, 2010, people have a clear choice between Labour who will continue to steer us through the recovery, and the Conservatives, who will take us back into recession and wreck it with their savage cuts to public services.
Gordon Brown has the experience and right policies to take us into the future.
David Cameron may look young, fresh and energetic, but his plans will take us back to the past and the dark days of the 1980s. He is only interested in the priveleged few and will not care one iota about the hard-up majority.
I say think very carefully before you vote today.
Think of what you have gained under Labour in the last thirteen years.
Think of what you will lose under a Conservative government.
Labour is our only hope.
Come home to Labour.
Vote Labour today!
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Inspirational Brown Says Come Home To Labour
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8659148.stm
Gordon Brown at his absolute best rallying the troops - it's not over yet.
Millions of voters have yet to make up their minds.
Gordon Brown at his absolute best rallying the troops - it's not over yet.
Millions of voters have yet to make up their minds.
It's Still Everything To Play For As Latest Polls Show Labour Will Still Be Largest Party
The latest opinion polls show Labour will still have the largest number of seats in the House of Commons come Friday morning.
We can remain ever-hopeful that Brown will still be Prime Minister and the Labour Party will be allowed to continue in government, with the Conservatives denied the chance to engage in the most savage cuts in public spending seen for a generation.
This is despite the most vacuous election TV coverage I have ever seen. Apart from the three leadership
debates, there has been virtually no discussion of the major policy issues. Just a total obsession in media with opinion polls, hung parliaments and which of the leaders looks best on TV.
I am desperately hoping for a fourth successive victory at the polls for Labour. However, I will not be sorry to see the end of this most banal election coverage.
We can remain ever-hopeful that Brown will still be Prime Minister and the Labour Party will be allowed to continue in government, with the Conservatives denied the chance to engage in the most savage cuts in public spending seen for a generation.
This is despite the most vacuous election TV coverage I have ever seen. Apart from the three leadership
debates, there has been virtually no discussion of the major policy issues. Just a total obsession in media with opinion polls, hung parliaments and which of the leaders looks best on TV.
I am desperately hoping for a fourth successive victory at the polls for Labour. However, I will not be sorry to see the end of this most banal election coverage.
Labour Calls For Tactical Voting Not A Sign Of Desperation
The media have made a great deal of calls by Peter Hain, Ed Balls and other Cabinet ministers for people to vote tactically.
Contrary to the hysteria being whipped up by this story, this is definitely not a sign of desperation.
There is no question of tactical voting taking place in every constituency in the country. There are only about 100 marginal seats where it is very close between Labour and the Conservatives. Whoever wins in these seats will swing the election result in their favour and decide which party wins the most seats at Westminster.
So under our electoral system, a vote for the Lib Dems will keep the Conservatives out and deny David Cameron a narrow majority.
Because this is such a close election, with the outcome the least certain for almost twenty years, it is absolutely vital that Labour supporters do their absolute best to ensure that the Tories are blocked from taking marginal seats and we are not lumbered with the total nightmare of a Cameron government and the savage cuts to essential services that will inevitably follow.
Contrary to the hysteria being whipped up by this story, this is definitely not a sign of desperation.
There is no question of tactical voting taking place in every constituency in the country. There are only about 100 marginal seats where it is very close between Labour and the Conservatives. Whoever wins in these seats will swing the election result in their favour and decide which party wins the most seats at Westminster.
So under our electoral system, a vote for the Lib Dems will keep the Conservatives out and deny David Cameron a narrow majority.
Because this is such a close election, with the outcome the least certain for almost twenty years, it is absolutely vital that Labour supporters do their absolute best to ensure that the Tories are blocked from taking marginal seats and we are not lumbered with the total nightmare of a Cameron government and the savage cuts to essential services that will inevitably follow.
Monday, 3 May 2010
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Labour The Only Party To Guarantee The Future Of The NHS
Despite the difficulties of the last week, Gordon Brown was at great pains to hammer home the message that it is only Labour that can guarantee the future of the NHS.
The Tories have said that the NHS will not face any cuts in investment. Yet at the same time, they have refused to give any specific guarantees on waiting times for cancer patients and others waiting for urgent treatment.
We have just three days left to persuade the British people that the NHS is only safe in Labour's hands.
We must ensure that the Conservatives are not allowed to undermine this great institution in any way.
The Tories have said that the NHS will not face any cuts in investment. Yet at the same time, they have refused to give any specific guarantees on waiting times for cancer patients and others waiting for urgent treatment.
We have just three days left to persuade the British people that the NHS is only safe in Labour's hands.
We must ensure that the Conservatives are not allowed to undermine this great institution in any way.
Cameron's Claim Momemtum Is Now With Tories Premature
David Cameron said on Sunday that the momentum was now with the Conservatives and they were on course for victory.
Quite rightly, both Labour and the Lib Dems were quick to dismiss Mr Cameron's claims, with Lord Mandelson branding him as arrogant.
I am reminded of Neil Kinnock's infamous rally in Sheffield, where he paraded the entire Shadow Cabinet as if they were already the next Government.
David Cameron speaks as if it is his automatic right to govern. Clearly, even with just a few days to go before polling day, many people still have to make up their minds.
And with a Hung Parliament looking likely, hasn't he shot himself in the foot by ruling out a coalition with the Lib Dems?
Quite rightly, both Labour and the Lib Dems were quick to dismiss Mr Cameron's claims, with Lord Mandelson branding him as arrogant.
I am reminded of Neil Kinnock's infamous rally in Sheffield, where he paraded the entire Shadow Cabinet as if they were already the next Government.
David Cameron speaks as if it is his automatic right to govern. Clearly, even with just a few days to go before polling day, many people still have to make up their minds.
And with a Hung Parliament looking likely, hasn't he shot himself in the foot by ruling out a coalition with the Lib Dems?
Labour Fights For Every Last Vote After Difficult Week
There's no doubt that Labour has had a very difficult week on the campaign trail.
Gordon Brown's unguarded remarks after meeting lifelong supporter Gillian Duffy in Rochdale really set the campaign alight.
There is no questioning the Prime Minister's regret and the sincerity of his apology to Mrs Duffy after the incident. I am bound to say that in age of 24 hour news coverage, where politicians' every move are recorded and dissected, the same thing could easily have happened to any one of those campaigning.
When David Cameron was confronted by the father angry about the how the educational needs of his disabled son were met, it is not impossible that he could have said something to his aides that he wouldn't have wanted broadcast once he'd got back into his car.
Mr Brown was unlucky that it was he who was caught in the act. And because he is considered to be the under-dog in this election, the press and the media went for his jugular like vultures. Once again, any discussion of policy was completely thrown out of the window.
The final Prime Ministerial Debate was probably not Brown's finest hour; he struck a particularly negative tone, choosing to mostly attack the Tories and the Lib Dems and saying far less on positive things he would do if re-elected.
However, he has continued his relentless campaign of spreading Labour's message around the country. And he will strive to win over every last vote right up to the very last minute.
Gordon Brown's unguarded remarks after meeting lifelong supporter Gillian Duffy in Rochdale really set the campaign alight.
There is no questioning the Prime Minister's regret and the sincerity of his apology to Mrs Duffy after the incident. I am bound to say that in age of 24 hour news coverage, where politicians' every move are recorded and dissected, the same thing could easily have happened to any one of those campaigning.
When David Cameron was confronted by the father angry about the how the educational needs of his disabled son were met, it is not impossible that he could have said something to his aides that he wouldn't have wanted broadcast once he'd got back into his car.
Mr Brown was unlucky that it was he who was caught in the act. And because he is considered to be the under-dog in this election, the press and the media went for his jugular like vultures. Once again, any discussion of policy was completely thrown out of the window.
The final Prime Ministerial Debate was probably not Brown's finest hour; he struck a particularly negative tone, choosing to mostly attack the Tories and the Lib Dems and saying far less on positive things he would do if re-elected.
However, he has continued his relentless campaign of spreading Labour's message around the country. And he will strive to win over every last vote right up to the very last minute.
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