Breaking news – you could not make it up…
Just when we thought that this was going to be the most bizare general election in years – it just got nuttier. Geoff Hoon, former chief whip, and Patricia Hewitt have written to every Labour MP demanding a secret ballot on the Labour leadership.
There is confusion over whether this fits any Labour Party rule book – most analysts are saying in times like this its all about “momentum” and you can effectively tear up the rule book.
This will come down to a test of wills. Will Gordon Brown see off one more challenge? Or, given that Mandelson seems to have fallen out terminally with NO10 – will this be the challenge that succeeds. My guess is it depends whether Gordon can kiss and make up with Mandelson – or not……
Oh fun times ahead.
UPDATE: Patricia Hewitt just appeared on the BBC categorically denying having spoken to any cabinet minister prior to issuing this letter. Does that mean she HAS canvassed support from a number of back benchers? Charles Clarke (ok an obvious anti-Brown figure) has already backed the ballot.
UPDATE: Frank Field has added his support for the ballot.
UPDATE: Suggested date for the ballot is NEXT MONDAY with the results announced the same day.
UPDATE: Nick Robinson is saying (15.16) that it looks like Peter Mandelson is coming to Gordon Brown’s aid sending texts to MPs saying the ballot demand is a “complete over-reaction” by people outside government and that MPs should back Mr Brown. So, game over?
Here’s the letter ….
Dear Colleague,
As we move towards a General Election it remains the case that the Parliamentary Labour Party is deeply divided over the question of the leadership. Many colleagues have expressed their frustration at the way in which this question is affecting our political performance. We have therefore come to the conclusion that the only way to resolve this issue would be to allow every member to express their view in a secret ballot.
This could be done quickly and with minimum disruption to the work of MPs and the Government. Whatever the outcome the whole of the party could then go forward, knowing that this matter had been sorted out once and for all.
Strong supporters of the Prime Minister should have no difficulty in backing this approach. There is a risk otherwise that the persistent background briefing and grumbling could continue up to and possibly through the election campaign, affecting our ability to concentrate all of our energies on getting our real message across.
Equally those who want change, should they lose such a vote, would be expected by the majority of the PLP to devote all of their efforts to winning the election. The implications of such a vote would be clear – everyone would be bound to support the result.
This is a clear opportunity to finally lay this matter to rest. The continued speculation and uncertainty is allowing our opponents to portray us as dispirited and disunited. It is damaging our ability to set out our strong case to the electorate. It is giving our political opponents an easy target.
In what will inevitably be a difficult and demanding election campaign, we must have a determined and united parliamentary party. It is our job to lead the fight against our political opponents. We can only do that if we resolve these distractions. We hope that you will support this proposal.
Yours fraternally,
Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt
Tags: Geoff Hoon, Gordon Brown, leadership challenge, Patricia Hewitt