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06/01/2010
Brown Ballot 'Plot' Underway
Former Cabinet allies of the Prime Minister have proposed holding a secret ballot on his leadership, it emerged today.
Ex-ministers Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt's move came as a shock within political circles this afternoon, with many expecting a General Election to be called within weeks.
Government figures have played down the ballot, with Lord Mandelson insisting Gordon Brown was "getting on with the job".
In a letter to Labour MPs Mr Hoon and Ms Hewitt said lingering doubts over Mr Brown suitability had to be put to rest "once and for all".
They said the party was "deeply divided" and "grumbling".
Despite some calls that the vote would be unconstitutional, Westminster sources have claimed it could go ahead on Monday.
Mr Hoons refused to be drawn on any support for his and Ms Hewitt's bid from within the Cabinet.
"There is a great deal of talk. If we are going to go into an election campaign, we need to resolve these matters once and for all," he said.
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward and Health Secretary Andy Burnham are the most senior MPs to immediately throw their weight behind the Prime Minister.
Lord Mandelson dismissed the plot calling it "a complete over-reaction".
"These people are not members of the government, no one is resigning from the government. We should carry on government business as usual in my view."
Close Brown ally Ed Balls told Sky News it was "frustrating" such an issue surfaced after a "really good prime minister's questions".
The Education Secretary said Mr Brown had the Cabinet's backing.
(PR/BMcC)
Ex-ministers Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt's move came as a shock within political circles this afternoon, with many expecting a General Election to be called within weeks.
Government figures have played down the ballot, with Lord Mandelson insisting Gordon Brown was "getting on with the job".
In a letter to Labour MPs Mr Hoon and Ms Hewitt said lingering doubts over Mr Brown suitability had to be put to rest "once and for all".
They said the party was "deeply divided" and "grumbling".
Despite some calls that the vote would be unconstitutional, Westminster sources have claimed it could go ahead on Monday.
Mr Hoons refused to be drawn on any support for his and Ms Hewitt's bid from within the Cabinet.
"There is a great deal of talk. If we are going to go into an election campaign, we need to resolve these matters once and for all," he said.
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward and Health Secretary Andy Burnham are the most senior MPs to immediately throw their weight behind the Prime Minister.
Lord Mandelson dismissed the plot calling it "a complete over-reaction".
"These people are not members of the government, no one is resigning from the government. We should carry on government business as usual in my view."
Close Brown ally Ed Balls told Sky News it was "frustrating" such an issue surfaced after a "really good prime minister's questions".
The Education Secretary said Mr Brown had the Cabinet's backing.
(PR/BMcC)
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08 January 2010
PM Challenge 'Over'
A potential plot to oust Prime Minister Gordon Brown from within the Labour Party "is over", 'orchestrator' Geoff Hoon said today. Former Defence Minister Mr Hoon, along with fellow ex-Cabinet member Patricia Hewitt, emailed all Labour MPs this week suggesting a secret ballot should be held on Mr Brown's future leadership.
PM Challenge 'Over'
A potential plot to oust Prime Minister Gordon Brown from within the Labour Party "is over", 'orchestrator' Geoff Hoon said today. Former Defence Minister Mr Hoon, along with fellow ex-Cabinet member Patricia Hewitt, emailed all Labour MPs this week suggesting a secret ballot should be held on Mr Brown's future leadership.
01 April 2008
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq. Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq. Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
07 January 2010
Brown Supporters Rally
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has dismissed an attempted internal leadership coupe as a "storm in a teacup". Mr Brown told the BBC he was "leading from the front" following a potential challenge orchestrated by former ministers Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt.
Brown Supporters Rally
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has dismissed an attempted internal leadership coupe as a "storm in a teacup". Mr Brown told the BBC he was "leading from the front" following a potential challenge orchestrated by former ministers Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt.
05 June 2009
Early Cabinet Shake-Up Amid More Resignations
Huge speculation still looms over Gordon Brown's eventual cabinet, which has already been subjected to a sporadic reshuffle and a number of high-profile resignations.
Early Cabinet Shake-Up Amid More Resignations
Huge speculation still looms over Gordon Brown's eventual cabinet, which has already been subjected to a sporadic reshuffle and a number of high-profile resignations.
31 August 2007
Talks Take Place In Prison Officer Pay Dispute
Talks are taking place today between the leaders of the Prison Officers' Association (POA) and Justice Minister Jack Straw in a pay dispute, which resulted in a surprise strike on Wednesday. The surprise strike action, involving thousands of staff from 140 jails in England and Wales, took place on Wednesday morning.
Talks Take Place In Prison Officer Pay Dispute
Talks are taking place today between the leaders of the Prison Officers' Association (POA) and Justice Minister Jack Straw in a pay dispute, which resulted in a surprise strike on Wednesday. The surprise strike action, involving thousands of staff from 140 jails in England and Wales, took place on Wednesday morning.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
