Menu
07/01/2010
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.
A Downing Street spokesman said the Prime Minister had the full backing of all Cabinet members, despite reports several ministers had eventually 'bottled out' of supporting yesterday's campaign.
Reportedly among them were Foreign Secretary David Miliband, Justice Secretary Jack Straw and Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman.
All have since reiterated their allegiance to Mr Brown's premiership.
Mr Hoon and Ms Hewitt had written to all Labour's parliamentary MPs asking them to participate in a secret ballot to decide on the Prime Minister's future "once and for all".
They failed to attract popular support, with no ministerial resignations or public statements of agreement.
The move came just weeks before a General Election, a time when all three main parties are shifting into pre-election mode.
Mr Straw said the coupe bid had "sunk" and had acted only to unite the party.
"I actually think it will have the effect of bringing people behind his leadership even more."
However, Tory Leader David Cameron said the episode only promoted a "deeply divided" government, while Lib Dem Nick Clegg said Labour had "lost its way".
Mr Clegg predicted alleged party in-fighting would not be resolved until Labour was "in opposition".
Mr Brown said he spent most of yesterday dealing with pressing national issues, including the treacherous wintry weather conditions.
He seemed unconcerned by the time it took some colleagues to express their support in the aftermath of the Hoon and Hewitt plot becoming public.
Mr Brown added: "So it's not going to take up much of my time and hasn't certainly taken up much of my time today or will in future days."
(PR/BMcC)
Mr Brown told the BBC he was "leading from the front" following a potential challenge orchestrated by former ministers Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt.
A Downing Street spokesman said the Prime Minister had the full backing of all Cabinet members, despite reports several ministers had eventually 'bottled out' of supporting yesterday's campaign.
Reportedly among them were Foreign Secretary David Miliband, Justice Secretary Jack Straw and Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman.
All have since reiterated their allegiance to Mr Brown's premiership.
Mr Hoon and Ms Hewitt had written to all Labour's parliamentary MPs asking them to participate in a secret ballot to decide on the Prime Minister's future "once and for all".
They failed to attract popular support, with no ministerial resignations or public statements of agreement.
The move came just weeks before a General Election, a time when all three main parties are shifting into pre-election mode.
Mr Straw said the coupe bid had "sunk" and had acted only to unite the party.
"I actually think it will have the effect of bringing people behind his leadership even more."
However, Tory Leader David Cameron said the episode only promoted a "deeply divided" government, while Lib Dem Nick Clegg said Labour had "lost its way".
Mr Clegg predicted alleged party in-fighting would not be resolved until Labour was "in opposition".
Mr Brown said he spent most of yesterday dealing with pressing national issues, including the treacherous wintry weather conditions.
He seemed unconcerned by the time it took some colleagues to express their support in the aftermath of the Hoon and Hewitt plot becoming public.
Mr Brown added: "So it's not going to take up much of my time and hasn't certainly taken up much of my time today or will in future days."
(PR/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
10 May 2007
Blair calls time as Prime Minister
The Prime Minister has announced that he will stand down on June 27. As expected, Tony Blair announced the news to a gathering of party supporters in Sedgefield following a Cabinet briefing this morning. He said ten years was enough and said: "I ask you to accept one thing: hand on heart, I did what I thought was right.
Blair calls time as Prime Minister
The Prime Minister has announced that he will stand down on June 27. As expected, Tony Blair announced the news to a gathering of party supporters in Sedgefield following a Cabinet briefing this morning. He said ten years was enough and said: "I ask you to accept one thing: hand on heart, I did what I thought was right.
06 January 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.
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.
25 September 2014
Keith Brown MSP Announces Intention To Stand For Deputy Leadership Of SNP
Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, has officially launched his campaign to become deputy leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). It comes after Nicola Sturgeon, deputy first minister of Scotland and deputy leader of the SNP announced she would seek to become the country's first minister and leader of the party.
Keith Brown MSP Announces Intention To Stand For Deputy Leadership Of SNP
Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, has officially launched his campaign to become deputy leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). It comes after Nicola Sturgeon, deputy first minister of Scotland and deputy leader of the SNP announced she would seek to become the country's first minister and leader of the party.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
