Labour MPs sharpen the knives for Gordon
The Daily Telegraph has learnt that a group of moderate MPs are planning a letter addressed to the entire Cabinet setting out the reasons why they are despairing about the problems facing the Labour Party - including Mr Brown's leadership. In order to resolve the issue the MPs will say that a leadership election needs to be held to clear the air. The group - which will number at least 30 - will not put forward who they believe should stand against or succeed Mr Brown, saying that is a matter for the party. As a hunt by those loyal to Mr Brown began to identify those plotting against him, senior Labour sources said last night that they believed the letter had already been drafted. However, some of those who are understood to be involved say that it will not be written until after the summer break when MPs have had a chance to think about the leadership crisis facing the party. Several senior backbench MPs including George Howarth and Charles Clarke are understood to have informally begun compiling lists of those who will support the backbench plot. One rebel MP said: "We hope that the Cabinet will lead this but if they do not, the time will come when a letter will have to be sent. It is clear that Gordon Brown is the problem. Tactically now is the wrong time to force matters but I think many MPs will return from their holidays with the necessary resolve." The scene is increasingly being set for a full-blown leadership challenge to emerge in the run-up to Labour's crucial annual conference in Manchester at the end of September. The emerging alliance of backbenchers and junior ministers are thought to favour a young leader such as David Miliband or James Purnell who could challenge David Cameron. Jack Straw, the previous favourite yesterday backed Mr Brown to remain as Prime Minister. snip http://tinyurl.com/5dn4bz
The Daily Telegraph has learnt that a group of moderate MPs are planning a letter addressed to the entire Cabinet setting out the reasons why they are despairing about the problems facing the Labour Party - including Mr Brown's leadership. In order to resolve the issue the MPs will say that a leadership election needs to be held to clear the air. The group - which will number at least 30 - will not put forward who they believe should stand against or succeed Mr Brown, saying that is a matter for the party. As a hunt by those loyal to Mr Brown began to identify those plotting against him, senior Labour sources said last night that they believed the letter had already been drafted. However, some of those who are understood to be involved say that it will not be written until after the summer break when MPs have had a chance to think about the leadership crisis facing the party. Several senior backbench MPs including George Howarth and Charles Clarke are understood to have informally begun compiling lists of those who will support the backbench plot. One rebel MP said: "We hope that the Cabinet will lead this but if they do not, the time will come when a letter will have to be sent. It is clear that Gordon Brown is the problem. Tactically now is the wrong time to force matters but I think many MPs will return from their holidays with the necessary resolve." The scene is increasingly being set for a full-blown leadership challenge to emerge in the run-up to Labour's crucial annual conference in Manchester at the end of September. The emerging alliance of backbenchers and junior ministers are thought to favour a young leader such as David Miliband or James Purnell who could challenge David Cameron. Jack Straw, the previous favourite yesterday backed Mr Brown to remain as Prime Minister. snip http://tinyurl.com/5dn4bz