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05/03/2004
Brown may be in running for top job at IMF
The chancellor Gordon Brown could be in line to take over as head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according reports in the Guardian newspaper today.
According to the Guardian, sources in Washington place Mr Brown – Britain's longest-serving chancellor – as the frontrunner to succeed Horst Koehler, who has aspirations to succeed Johannes Rau as German president.
However, the reports have been dismissed by Downing Street and treasury officials today as "speculation".
If Mr Brown were to make the move to Washington, it would represent the final nail in the coffin of a deal that has passed in political folklore – when Tony and Gordon met at the Granita restaurant in the wake of John Smith's death in 1994. The deal would have seen Mr Blair hand over to Mr Brown after Labour won their 1997 election.
The relationship between Blair and Brown – one of the most significant in British political history – has soured, and the two communicate their dissatisfaction for the other through pliable backbenchers and favoured media commentators.
With the Iraq war debate persisting, and public service reform, educational reforms and European integration continuing but unresolved, it would seem unlikely that there could be any handover soon.
Last week, Peter Foster, the former boyfriend of Mrs Blair's one-time close confidante and lifestyle guru Carole Caplin has claimed that Mr Blair would quit before the end of this year. However, the Prime Minister was quick to let it be known that he intended to lead Labour into the 2005 general election.
This may prove the decisive factor for Gordon Brown. Having survived at Number 11 for seven years, during war and economic global downturn, and demonstrated a social democratic and business-friendly approach, he would appear to be a suitably qualified candidate. And given his experience and Mr Blair's determination to lead Britain, Mr Brown may yet welcome the possibility of being vaulted into an honourable exit from domestic politics.
(gmcg)
According to the Guardian, sources in Washington place Mr Brown – Britain's longest-serving chancellor – as the frontrunner to succeed Horst Koehler, who has aspirations to succeed Johannes Rau as German president.
However, the reports have been dismissed by Downing Street and treasury officials today as "speculation".
If Mr Brown were to make the move to Washington, it would represent the final nail in the coffin of a deal that has passed in political folklore – when Tony and Gordon met at the Granita restaurant in the wake of John Smith's death in 1994. The deal would have seen Mr Blair hand over to Mr Brown after Labour won their 1997 election.
The relationship between Blair and Brown – one of the most significant in British political history – has soured, and the two communicate their dissatisfaction for the other through pliable backbenchers and favoured media commentators.
With the Iraq war debate persisting, and public service reform, educational reforms and European integration continuing but unresolved, it would seem unlikely that there could be any handover soon.
Last week, Peter Foster, the former boyfriend of Mrs Blair's one-time close confidante and lifestyle guru Carole Caplin has claimed that Mr Blair would quit before the end of this year. However, the Prime Minister was quick to let it be known that he intended to lead Labour into the 2005 general election.
This may prove the decisive factor for Gordon Brown. Having survived at Number 11 for seven years, during war and economic global downturn, and demonstrated a social democratic and business-friendly approach, he would appear to be a suitably qualified candidate. And given his experience and Mr Blair's determination to lead Britain, Mr Brown may yet welcome the possibility of being vaulted into an honourable exit from domestic politics.
(gmcg)
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13 May 2003
Short calls on Blair to stand down
The former International Development secretary Clare Short has called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to stand down as she launched another broadside against Number 10.
Short calls on Blair to stand down
The former International Development secretary Clare Short has called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to stand down as she launched another broadside against Number 10.
27 September 2006
Clinton praises Blair's government as a "stunning success"
Former US President Bill Clinton has praised Tony Blair's Labour government as a "stunning success" during his speech at the party's conference in Manchester. Mr Clinton heaped praise upon the Prime Minister during his speech.
Clinton praises Blair's government as a "stunning success"
Former US President Bill Clinton has praised Tony Blair's Labour government as a "stunning success" during his speech at the party's conference in Manchester. Mr Clinton heaped praise upon the Prime Minister during his speech.
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.
16 January 2006
Baby joy for Chancellor Gordon Brown
The wife of Chancellor Gordon Brown is pregnant, a Treasury spokesperson has announced. Mr Brown's wife Sarah is expecting the baby in July and the spokesperson said that the couple were "absolutely delighted" with the news. Mr and Mrs Brown have a two-year-old son John, who is named after the Chancellor's father.
Baby joy for Chancellor Gordon Brown
The wife of Chancellor Gordon Brown is pregnant, a Treasury spokesperson has announced. Mr Brown's wife Sarah is expecting the baby in July and the spokesperson said that the couple were "absolutely delighted" with the news. Mr and Mrs Brown have a two-year-old son John, who is named after the Chancellor's father.
17 May 2007
Brown 'humbled' by Labour support
Chancellor Gordon Brown has said that he was "truly humbled" by the support he received from the Labour party, after he secured enough nominations to become party leader without a leadership contest.
Brown 'humbled' by Labour support
Chancellor Gordon Brown has said that he was "truly humbled" by the support he received from the Labour party, after he secured enough nominations to become party leader without a leadership contest.
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