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20/02/2009
Blears Plays-Down Cabinet Leadership Jostle
Government minister Hazel Blears has said mounting media speculation over the future Labour leadership is 'playing into the hands' of David Cameron.
Ms Blears, speaking from her constituency, said colleagues needed to "get a grip", and shift focus off who will eventually replace Prime Minister Gordon Brown as the party leader.
The communities minister said such public conduct played into the hands of the Tory party.
Deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman has said there in "not an iota of truth" in reports she is lining herself up to take the reins of the party, after the next election.
Some newspapers had suggested treasury minister Yvette Cooper was being backed by the party faithful, opposed to a Harman leadership.
Ms Blears, who lost out on the deputy leader position to Ms Harman in 2007, said: "My message to my colleagues is simple: get a grip.
"Our first loyalty is to the British people. If they think we are more interested in our own jobs than theirs, they will not forgive us.
"If the mindset is all about what happens after some future election defeat, then the game's up."
The minister added: "All this political positioning just helps the Tories."
(PR/JM)
Ms Blears, speaking from her constituency, said colleagues needed to "get a grip", and shift focus off who will eventually replace Prime Minister Gordon Brown as the party leader.
The communities minister said such public conduct played into the hands of the Tory party.
Deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman has said there in "not an iota of truth" in reports she is lining herself up to take the reins of the party, after the next election.
Some newspapers had suggested treasury minister Yvette Cooper was being backed by the party faithful, opposed to a Harman leadership.
Ms Blears, who lost out on the deputy leader position to Ms Harman in 2007, said: "My message to my colleagues is simple: get a grip.
"Our first loyalty is to the British people. If they think we are more interested in our own jobs than theirs, they will not forgive us.
"If the mindset is all about what happens after some future election defeat, then the game's up."
The minister added: "All this political positioning just helps the Tories."
(PR/JM)
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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.
