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21/04/2010
Clegg Says 'Brown Is Desperate Man'
Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg has said that he might find it difficult to strike up a deal with Gordon Brown in the event of a hung parliament.
Clegg called Mr Brown a "desperate man" in his most outspoken attack yet and said the Liberal Democrats would not help him stay on as a "squatter in Downing Street".
In his first newspaper interview since his party’s shock rise in the opinion polls, Mr Clegg told The Daily Telegraph that Labour had failed to deliver in its 13 years in charge and could not be trusted now.
He said: "Brown systematically blocked, and personally blocked, political reform. I think he is a desperate politician and I just do not believe him." He added: "And do I think Labour delivered fairness? No. Do I think the Labour Party in its heart has a faith in civil liberties? No. Do I think they’ve delivered political reform? No. They are clutching at straws."
The highly personal attack on Mr Brown's integrity will lead to further speculation that the price for any deal with Labour would be that it ditches Mr Brown as leader.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband is considered a likely alternative who would be acceptable to the Lib Dems, with Alan Johnson also said to be an option.
Mr Clegg's hardline stance will strengthen the hand of disillusioned Labour ministers, who are now openly discussing the prospect of forcing Mr Brown to stand down so the party could continue in a coalition government under Mr Miliband or Health Secretary Alan Johnson.
Meanwhile Mr Brown's interview with the Independent sees him calling for a "progressive alliance", appealing to Lib Dem supporters to think about backing his party.
"If you want a referendum on new politics, you've got to consider voting Labour," he said.
"We are the only party committed to a referendum on it. You won't get one with the Tories."
He said the Conservatives offered merely "a change of personnel and a return to the old politics", while Labour was "serious" about revamping the UK's electoral system.
But Mr Clegg said politicians should be "open" and talk to each other in the likely event of a hung parliament.
The Lib Dem leader said he would make it clear what he would want from any deal.
He said: "I would be open about the fact that, clearly, politicians should be able to speak to each other.
"David Cameron doesn't seem to accept this, but if the British people have voted then of course you have to try and provide good stable government."
So far, Mr Cameron and his advisers have been unwilling to countenance anything other than a clear Tory win.
(LB/BMcC)
Clegg called Mr Brown a "desperate man" in his most outspoken attack yet and said the Liberal Democrats would not help him stay on as a "squatter in Downing Street".
In his first newspaper interview since his party’s shock rise in the opinion polls, Mr Clegg told The Daily Telegraph that Labour had failed to deliver in its 13 years in charge and could not be trusted now.
He said: "Brown systematically blocked, and personally blocked, political reform. I think he is a desperate politician and I just do not believe him." He added: "And do I think Labour delivered fairness? No. Do I think the Labour Party in its heart has a faith in civil liberties? No. Do I think they’ve delivered political reform? No. They are clutching at straws."
The highly personal attack on Mr Brown's integrity will lead to further speculation that the price for any deal with Labour would be that it ditches Mr Brown as leader.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband is considered a likely alternative who would be acceptable to the Lib Dems, with Alan Johnson also said to be an option.
Mr Clegg's hardline stance will strengthen the hand of disillusioned Labour ministers, who are now openly discussing the prospect of forcing Mr Brown to stand down so the party could continue in a coalition government under Mr Miliband or Health Secretary Alan Johnson.
Meanwhile Mr Brown's interview with the Independent sees him calling for a "progressive alliance", appealing to Lib Dem supporters to think about backing his party.
"If you want a referendum on new politics, you've got to consider voting Labour," he said.
"We are the only party committed to a referendum on it. You won't get one with the Tories."
He said the Conservatives offered merely "a change of personnel and a return to the old politics", while Labour was "serious" about revamping the UK's electoral system.
But Mr Clegg said politicians should be "open" and talk to each other in the likely event of a hung parliament.
The Lib Dem leader said he would make it clear what he would want from any deal.
He said: "I would be open about the fact that, clearly, politicians should be able to speak to each other.
"David Cameron doesn't seem to accept this, but if the British people have voted then of course you have to try and provide good stable government."
So far, Mr Cameron and his advisers have been unwilling to countenance anything other than a clear Tory win.
(LB/BMcC)
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28 July 2008
Labour MP Urges Brown Resignation
Demands are growing for PM Gordon Brown to resign - even from within the Labour party's owns ranks. Labour MP Gordon Prentice says the Prime Minister lacked the skill to "persuade and enthuse" and should go in the party's "best interests". Mr Brown is still reeling under Labour's humiliating defeat in the Glasgow East by-election.
Labour MP Urges Brown Resignation
Demands are growing for PM Gordon Brown to resign - even from within the Labour party's owns ranks. Labour MP Gordon Prentice says the Prime Minister lacked the skill to "persuade and enthuse" and should go in the party's "best interests". Mr Brown is still reeling under Labour's humiliating defeat in the Glasgow East by-election.
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Brown Closes Gap On Tory Lead, Says Poll
Gordon Brown has managed to close the lead enjoyed by the Conservatives in the opinion polls, according to a survey published today. The two parties are now almost neck and neck, with the Tories only boasting a one-point edge over the government.
Brown Closes Gap On Tory Lead, Says Poll
Gordon Brown has managed to close the lead enjoyed by the Conservatives in the opinion polls, according to a survey published today. The two parties are now almost neck and neck, with the Tories only boasting a one-point edge over the government.
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Spending Review will focus on raising skills, says Brown
Raising skills levels will be central to the next Spending Review, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has said today. Speaking at the launch of today's National Skills Strategy, Gordon Brown said that entrenching stability and tackling excessively high levels of unemployment were the first goals of government.
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Time still not right for euro entry says Brown
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Time still not right for euro entry says Brown
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25 July 2008
SNP Win Labour 'Safe Seat' In By-Election Victory
The Labour Party has suffered another crushing blow as the Scottish National Party has snared Glasgow East in a by-election victory. The Scottish National Party has overturned the former Labour 'safe' seat, which had a prior Labour majority of 13,507 - by winning 11,277 in the contest - representing a swing of 22.
SNP Win Labour 'Safe Seat' In By-Election Victory
The Labour Party has suffered another crushing blow as the Scottish National Party has snared Glasgow East in a by-election victory. The Scottish National Party has overturned the former Labour 'safe' seat, which had a prior Labour majority of 13,507 - by winning 11,277 in the contest - representing a swing of 22.
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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.
