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12/05/2008
Can Queen's Speech 'Save' Brown
Gordon Brown is expected to use this week's Queen's Speech programme to try to reclaim the political initiative after last week's disastrous showing for Labour in the local council elections.
He is setting out his draft for the autumn with promises of new measures on schools and health.
But - his trial by media is equally important - as he has had to contend with another round of disclosures about his turbulent relationship with ex PM, Tony Blair in the form of John Prescott's autobiography, serialised in The Sunday Times.
The former Deputy Prime Minister described Mr Brown as a "frustrating, annoying, bewildering and prickly" man who could "go off like a bloody volcano" and revealed that he had at various times urged Mr Blair to sack him as Chancellor and suggested to Mr Brown that he should quit so that he could fight Mr Blair from the backbenches.
"With Tony, when he was moaning on about Gordon's behaviour, I'd say 'Sack him. Find a new Chancellor if that's how you really feel.' But neither could take the final step. They were caught in their own trap," said Prescott.
(BMcC)
He is setting out his draft for the autumn with promises of new measures on schools and health.
But - his trial by media is equally important - as he has had to contend with another round of disclosures about his turbulent relationship with ex PM, Tony Blair in the form of John Prescott's autobiography, serialised in The Sunday Times.
The former Deputy Prime Minister described Mr Brown as a "frustrating, annoying, bewildering and prickly" man who could "go off like a bloody volcano" and revealed that he had at various times urged Mr Blair to sack him as Chancellor and suggested to Mr Brown that he should quit so that he could fight Mr Blair from the backbenches.
"With Tony, when he was moaning on about Gordon's behaviour, I'd say 'Sack him. Find a new Chancellor if that's how you really feel.' But neither could take the final step. They were caught in their own trap," said Prescott.
(BMcC)
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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.
