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08/01/2010
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.
The campaign failed to gain momentum after no high profile ministers publicly backed the vote.
Questions were raised when some cabinet members took hours to officially state their support for the Prime Minister.
However, yesterday Mr Brown dismissed the proposed ballot as a "storm in a teacup".
No reference was made to the plot during today's full Cabinet meeting, where the government reportedly discussed pre-election policy.
Britain is expected to hold a general election within weeks.
Speaking on the coup today, Mr Hoon conceded: "I think it's probably over. I accept that we made that opportunity and we don't appear to have succeeded... We set it out and it's really for them [Labour MPs] to decide."
(PR/BMcC)
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.
The campaign failed to gain momentum after no high profile ministers publicly backed the vote.
Questions were raised when some cabinet members took hours to officially state their support for the Prime Minister.
However, yesterday Mr Brown dismissed the proposed ballot as a "storm in a teacup".
No reference was made to the plot during today's full Cabinet meeting, where the government reportedly discussed pre-election policy.
Britain is expected to hold a general election within weeks.
Speaking on the coup today, Mr Hoon conceded: "I think it's probably over. I accept that we made that opportunity and we don't appear to have succeeded... We set it out and it's really for them [Labour MPs] to decide."
(PR/BMcC)
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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.
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.
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.
28 October 2008
Brown Bounce Continues
Labour appears to be closing in on the Tory's lead in opinion polls - in what has been referred to as the 'Brown Bounce'. Figures published today suggest the Prime Minister's handling of the financial meltdown has restored the public's confidence in his party. Gordon Brown has slashed the Conservative's lead by more than half.
Brown Bounce Continues
Labour appears to be closing in on the Tory's lead in opinion polls - in what has been referred to as the 'Brown Bounce'. Figures published today suggest the Prime Minister's handling of the financial meltdown has restored the public's confidence in his party. Gordon Brown has slashed the Conservative's lead by more than half.
25 July 2007
More homes evacuated as flood misery continues
Around 250 homes have been evacuated in Oxford as the city became the latest area of Britain to be affected by flooding. The homes were evacuated in the Osney area of the city and some residents seeking shelter stayed in Oxford United's Kassam stadium.
More homes evacuated as flood misery continues
Around 250 homes have been evacuated in Oxford as the city became the latest area of Britain to be affected by flooding. The homes were evacuated in the Osney area of the city and some residents seeking shelter stayed in Oxford United's Kassam stadium.
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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.
