The new government is less than three weeks old, but has already been hit by scandal after David Laws was last night forced to step down as Chief Secretray to the Treasury last night over expenses. It emerged that the prominent Liberal Democrat had used £40,000 to tax payer's money to pay rent to his male long term partner, having previously kept this relationship secret from the public.
The whole episode has undeniably weakened the position of the coalition and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg; Laws was part of the negotiating team which came to an agreement over power sharing in the wake of the inconclusive result of the general election earlier this month and one of his first jobs as a Cabinet minister was to present the £6 billion spending cuts to us earlier this week. But the real tragedy here is that he felt the need to fiddle his expenses to hide his sexuality. I like to think we now live in a Liberal Britain where sexual orientation is irrevelant to career prospects. I don't think anyone who matters would think any less of Laws if he had openly declared he was a homosexual. Over the last 15 years or so we have seen a rise in the number of openly gay politicians, Peter Mandelson, Ben Bradshaw and Alan Duncan to name but a few and they have all managed to get on with their jobs without any prejudice being held against them. I was only made aware a couple of weeks ago that Bradshaw was openly gay and the former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport appears to be offended that Laws felt the need to hide his sexuality, yesterday asking his followers on Twitter "when is "protecting your privacy" a euphamism (sic) for feeling shameful about who you are?".
Under article eight of the Human Rights Act David Laws is entitled to privacy (just putting recent NCTJ Law revision into practice), but public interest has to be taken into consideration here as he did use tax payers money to help hide his sexuality.
By resigning within hours of the scandal breaking Laws has probably done himself a favour and many, including Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith, expect him to return to government in only a matter of time. David Cameron will be relieved that Laws stepped down so swiftly before he could be sent his marching orders. During last year's expenses scandal the then Leader of the Opposition talked tough about sleaze and this would have been the first opportunity as Prime Minister for him to show he wasn't all talk, no action. However, the quick reaction of Laws has made things easier for the government and sparred there perhaps being potential fraction between Cameron and his Deputy Nick Clegg. Now the seal has been broken I wonder who will be the next Cabinet minister to go; if we have constant resignations at this rate they will all be gone by the end of next year!
Sunday, 30 May 2010
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Wednesday 26th May 2010
With just 16 days left until the big kick off I think I've caught the World Cup fever. Pubs across the country are proudly displaying the national flag, friends are inviting me to join their sweepstake and Mars have announced themselves as the Official Snack Supplier to the England team, it can only be that time again. The World Cup has become as hyped up as Christmas, except arguably its better than Christmas; we may have to wait four years for it to come along but it lasts longer!
Since the football season ended for my team nearly three weeks ago I've been suffering from football withdrawal symptoms, but luckily on June 11th that big gap in my life will be filled. The prospect of three games a day live on terristrial television is certainly enough to satisfy my appetite for the beautiful game. I look forward to seeing the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi perform on the world stage in front of an audience of billions. I highly anticipate the shock results we can inevitably expect somewhere along the way; can North Korea do the impossible and qualify from the group of death? Probably not, but surely we can expect a small nation to follow in the footsteps of Croatia in 1998 and South Korea in 2002 as the surprise package of the tournament.
As for England's chances of lifting the trophy on July 11th, I'm very pessimistic. In Fabio Capello we may have one of the best coaches in the world who will be expected to reach the semi final stage at least, but I think we're still a top quality goalkeeper and world class striker to partner Wayne Rooney up front short of having a world beating squad. Of course you never know, with good fortune smiling on us it is possible to be triumphant in South Africa and after going out on penalties in five of the last eight major tournaments we've been involved in maybe its about time we had a bit of luck on our side.
Since the football season ended for my team nearly three weeks ago I've been suffering from football withdrawal symptoms, but luckily on June 11th that big gap in my life will be filled. The prospect of three games a day live on terristrial television is certainly enough to satisfy my appetite for the beautiful game. I look forward to seeing the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi perform on the world stage in front of an audience of billions. I highly anticipate the shock results we can inevitably expect somewhere along the way; can North Korea do the impossible and qualify from the group of death? Probably not, but surely we can expect a small nation to follow in the footsteps of Croatia in 1998 and South Korea in 2002 as the surprise package of the tournament.
As for England's chances of lifting the trophy on July 11th, I'm very pessimistic. In Fabio Capello we may have one of the best coaches in the world who will be expected to reach the semi final stage at least, but I think we're still a top quality goalkeeper and world class striker to partner Wayne Rooney up front short of having a world beating squad. Of course you never know, with good fortune smiling on us it is possible to be triumphant in South Africa and after going out on penalties in five of the last eight major tournaments we've been involved in maybe its about time we had a bit of luck on our side.
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Tuesday 25th May 2010
As a big fan of the satirist Chris Morris I was looking forward to seeing his debut as a film director in the new comedy Four Lions last week. However, I left the cinema feeling slightly dissatisfied.
Four Lions tackles the controversial subject of suicide bombers, following the lives of a group British born Muslim men in Sheffield intent on making a statement by killing innocent people. Sure, it doesn't sound like a comedy, but to their credit Morris and his writers, Peep Show creators Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong, give us a few laughs. Its the characters that make this film worth seeing, as the "Lions" are so hapless and their actions of pure stupidity provide the comedy element. For example, the two lead men of the group Barry and Omar are entangled in a bitter power struggle and argue endlessly over what their target should be. One confrontation over bombing a mosque ends with Barry punching himself to justify it.
Perhaps Morris got his inspiration for this film from the failed Exeter bomber, described by many as the world's worst suicide bomber. If Four Lions was based on a true story, then surely these guys would take that title.
I enjoyed parts of Four Lions, but I think my dissatisfaction came from the anti-climatic ending, which left me asking "is that really the end".
Maybe I was disappointed as Morris has previously set himself some very high standards which this time he couldn't quite live up to. For those of you not familiar his other work, Morris created Brass Eye in the 1990s, arguably the greatest piece of satirical television ever. Television presenters, musicians and politicians were stitched up by being roped in to talk about cutting edge subjects such as drugs and paedophilia, but with some blatant inaccurate facts. In one episode Morris managed to convince a whole host of public fugures, including Rolf Harris, Noel Edmonds and David Amess MP to convince youngsters not to take a made up drug called CAKE.
One particular episode caused such outrage that it received over 2000 complaints. I was expecting a similar outburst questioning moral decency over Four Lions, but the likes of the Daily Mail have been surprisingly tame this time.
Morris has defended making a comedy on such a controversial subject, comparing Four Lions to Dad's Army, by showing terrorists as "scary but also ridiculous" in the same way the popular BBC sitcom did to Nazis.
Four Lions might not have quite lived up to the great expectations I had of it, but as long as you're not easily offended its still worth seeing.
Four Lions tackles the controversial subject of suicide bombers, following the lives of a group British born Muslim men in Sheffield intent on making a statement by killing innocent people. Sure, it doesn't sound like a comedy, but to their credit Morris and his writers, Peep Show creators Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong, give us a few laughs. Its the characters that make this film worth seeing, as the "Lions" are so hapless and their actions of pure stupidity provide the comedy element. For example, the two lead men of the group Barry and Omar are entangled in a bitter power struggle and argue endlessly over what their target should be. One confrontation over bombing a mosque ends with Barry punching himself to justify it.
Perhaps Morris got his inspiration for this film from the failed Exeter bomber, described by many as the world's worst suicide bomber. If Four Lions was based on a true story, then surely these guys would take that title.
I enjoyed parts of Four Lions, but I think my dissatisfaction came from the anti-climatic ending, which left me asking "is that really the end".
Maybe I was disappointed as Morris has previously set himself some very high standards which this time he couldn't quite live up to. For those of you not familiar his other work, Morris created Brass Eye in the 1990s, arguably the greatest piece of satirical television ever. Television presenters, musicians and politicians were stitched up by being roped in to talk about cutting edge subjects such as drugs and paedophilia, but with some blatant inaccurate facts. In one episode Morris managed to convince a whole host of public fugures, including Rolf Harris, Noel Edmonds and David Amess MP to convince youngsters not to take a made up drug called CAKE.
One particular episode caused such outrage that it received over 2000 complaints. I was expecting a similar outburst questioning moral decency over Four Lions, but the likes of the Daily Mail have been surprisingly tame this time.
Morris has defended making a comedy on such a controversial subject, comparing Four Lions to Dad's Army, by showing terrorists as "scary but also ridiculous" in the same way the popular BBC sitcom did to Nazis.
Four Lions might not have quite lived up to the great expectations I had of it, but as long as you're not easily offended its still worth seeing.
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Thursday 20th May 2010
The race to succeed Gordon Brown as Labour leader became a real contest this morning when well known back bencher Diane Abbott announced she would be standing.
The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, who in 1987 became the first female black politician to sit in the House of Commons, joins the Miliband brothers, Ed Balls, Andy Burnham and John McDonnell in the contest. Whilst the chances of her becoming the next Labour leader are slim (Ladbrokes have put her at 25/1), Abbott is perhaps the most qualified back bencher to put herself in the frame. She already has a recognisable public profile, sitting alongside Andrew Neil and Michael Portillo every Thursday night to analyse contempory political stories on This Week, and as the probable only female candidate she is best placed to win the vote of her fellow women MPs and grassroot members.
The six contenders now have a week to gather the backing of 33 Labour MPs, before the campaig officially begins. With the likes of Alan Johnson, Harriett Harman and Jon Cruddas ruling themselves out of the contest, it looks as though we now have our final list of who will stand.
This is the first proper Labour leadership contest since Tony Blair saw off John Prescott and Margaret Beckett 16 years ago, so it is a real opportunity to positively debate the best way of taking the party forward after the general election defeat earlier this month. Having Diane Abbott as one of candidates means more sections of the party are represented and if she shines in the campaign but ultimately falls short then perhaps a place in the Shadow Cabinet (I'm sure she could do well shadowing Theresa May as Equality Minister) may come calling.
The ballot opens on August 16th, closing on September 22nd, with the winner announced on the first day of the Autumn party conference. I will be keeping an open mind about who to vote for, Ed Miliband has my backing at the moment, but plenty of time for that to change.
The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, who in 1987 became the first female black politician to sit in the House of Commons, joins the Miliband brothers, Ed Balls, Andy Burnham and John McDonnell in the contest. Whilst the chances of her becoming the next Labour leader are slim (Ladbrokes have put her at 25/1), Abbott is perhaps the most qualified back bencher to put herself in the frame. She already has a recognisable public profile, sitting alongside Andrew Neil and Michael Portillo every Thursday night to analyse contempory political stories on This Week, and as the probable only female candidate she is best placed to win the vote of her fellow women MPs and grassroot members.
The six contenders now have a week to gather the backing of 33 Labour MPs, before the campaig officially begins. With the likes of Alan Johnson, Harriett Harman and Jon Cruddas ruling themselves out of the contest, it looks as though we now have our final list of who will stand.
This is the first proper Labour leadership contest since Tony Blair saw off John Prescott and Margaret Beckett 16 years ago, so it is a real opportunity to positively debate the best way of taking the party forward after the general election defeat earlier this month. Having Diane Abbott as one of candidates means more sections of the party are represented and if she shines in the campaign but ultimately falls short then perhaps a place in the Shadow Cabinet (I'm sure she could do well shadowing Theresa May as Equality Minister) may come calling.
The ballot opens on August 16th, closing on September 22nd, with the winner announced on the first day of the Autumn party conference. I will be keeping an open mind about who to vote for, Ed Miliband has my backing at the moment, but plenty of time for that to change.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Wednesday 19th May 2010
It has been a very long time since I've blogged about Southampton FC and now that the season is over I thought it would be a good idea to give some player ratings out of ten.
The 2009-2010 campaign has to be judged as a good one for Saints; the club ended their 34 year wait for silverware by winning the Johnstones Paint Trophy in March and whilst most fans would have preferred promotion, all silverware is good silverware and the competition gave us all a cracking day out at Wembley.
Grabbing that last play off spot was just a bridge too far for Alan Pardew's men, but a 7th place finish is some achievement when we consider the ten point penalty and the poor start, with Saints not winning their first league game until towards the end of September.
Next season will be a different story; with the money Pardew has spent over the last year and the opportunity this time of starting on level points with the rest of the league, chairman, owner and supporters will be expecting a successful campaign culminating with a return to the Championship.
Player ratings for the season -
Kelvin Davis - 8 - Continued his great form from the previous season and deserved to be named League One goalkeeper of the year.
Bartosz Biakowski - 7 - Proved to be a competent understudy for Davis and was the penalty shoot out hero in December's JPT win over Norwich.
Greame Murty - 6 - Was Saints best player in opening games, but suffered horrific injury in League Cup and never got going from there. Now released, can't help but wonder what might have been if he had stayed fit.
Lloyd James - 5 - Looked alright in midfield, but showed once again he isn't a natural right back, Pardew was right to let him go.
Jon Otsemobor - 6 - Signed in January on a short term deal, didn't do enough to be rewarded with an extended contract.
Chris Perry - 6 - Did a decent job when needed, a true professional who has served the club well over the last two years.
Radhi Jaidi - 7 - A good free transfer, one of the best defenders in the air in this league.
Jose Fonte - 8 - An expensive purchase in January, but has really plugged the hole in defence since coming in and may prove to be worth the money.
Danny Seaborne - 6 - Another January signing, initially struggled but now starting to look more comfortable.
Aaron Martin - 7 - Only started last two games of the season, but has really made an impact and could be a bright star for the future.
Dan Harding - 8 - First signing of the new era, a real bargain as a free transfer and has been solid at left back.
Joseph Mills - 6 - Done well when needed, but usually Harding's understudy.
Michail Antonio - 7 - Showed great potential, a lively impact sub that would be welcome by fans if signed permanently.
Jason Puncheon - 7 - A good January signing who will surely be an important player next season.
Papa Waigo N'diaye - 6 - Came here with big expectations, didn't quite live up to them, but scored the crucial goals which took Saints to Wembley.
Paul Wotton - 5 - Gave one of the worst performances I have ever seen in August's 1-0 defeat at Swindon, has improved since, becoming an ironic "football genius" with the fans.
Simon Gillett - 5 - Couldn't build on his decent showing last season and was often overlooked by Pardew.
Dean Hammond - 8 - Very consistent in midfield, good box-to-box, strong in the air and the right choice as captain.
Morgan Schneiderlin - 7 - Most improved player this season, just needs to sort out his discipline.
Adam Lallana - 8 - Great contribution scoring 20 goals from midfield, showed he is one of the most skillful players in League One.
Lee Holmes - 6 - Plauged by injury all season, but did alright when given the chance.
David Connolly - 7 - Another bargain signing, superb work ethic and would have scored higher if he stayed injury free.
Lee Barnard - 7 - Signed in January, poor start to his Saints career, but his goals are now starting to win over the fans.
Rickie Lambert- 9 - SAINTS PLAYER OF THE SEASON - Has been phenomenal, a real goal machine who wins nearly every header he challenges for and is a dead ball specialist. Will be crucial to promotion hopes next season.
The 2009-2010 campaign has to be judged as a good one for Saints; the club ended their 34 year wait for silverware by winning the Johnstones Paint Trophy in March and whilst most fans would have preferred promotion, all silverware is good silverware and the competition gave us all a cracking day out at Wembley.
Grabbing that last play off spot was just a bridge too far for Alan Pardew's men, but a 7th place finish is some achievement when we consider the ten point penalty and the poor start, with Saints not winning their first league game until towards the end of September.
Next season will be a different story; with the money Pardew has spent over the last year and the opportunity this time of starting on level points with the rest of the league, chairman, owner and supporters will be expecting a successful campaign culminating with a return to the Championship.
Player ratings for the season -
Kelvin Davis - 8 - Continued his great form from the previous season and deserved to be named League One goalkeeper of the year.
Bartosz Biakowski - 7 - Proved to be a competent understudy for Davis and was the penalty shoot out hero in December's JPT win over Norwich.
Greame Murty - 6 - Was Saints best player in opening games, but suffered horrific injury in League Cup and never got going from there. Now released, can't help but wonder what might have been if he had stayed fit.
Lloyd James - 5 - Looked alright in midfield, but showed once again he isn't a natural right back, Pardew was right to let him go.
Jon Otsemobor - 6 - Signed in January on a short term deal, didn't do enough to be rewarded with an extended contract.
Chris Perry - 6 - Did a decent job when needed, a true professional who has served the club well over the last two years.
Radhi Jaidi - 7 - A good free transfer, one of the best defenders in the air in this league.
Jose Fonte - 8 - An expensive purchase in January, but has really plugged the hole in defence since coming in and may prove to be worth the money.
Danny Seaborne - 6 - Another January signing, initially struggled but now starting to look more comfortable.
Aaron Martin - 7 - Only started last two games of the season, but has really made an impact and could be a bright star for the future.
Dan Harding - 8 - First signing of the new era, a real bargain as a free transfer and has been solid at left back.
Joseph Mills - 6 - Done well when needed, but usually Harding's understudy.
Michail Antonio - 7 - Showed great potential, a lively impact sub that would be welcome by fans if signed permanently.
Jason Puncheon - 7 - A good January signing who will surely be an important player next season.
Papa Waigo N'diaye - 6 - Came here with big expectations, didn't quite live up to them, but scored the crucial goals which took Saints to Wembley.
Paul Wotton - 5 - Gave one of the worst performances I have ever seen in August's 1-0 defeat at Swindon, has improved since, becoming an ironic "football genius" with the fans.
Simon Gillett - 5 - Couldn't build on his decent showing last season and was often overlooked by Pardew.
Dean Hammond - 8 - Very consistent in midfield, good box-to-box, strong in the air and the right choice as captain.
Morgan Schneiderlin - 7 - Most improved player this season, just needs to sort out his discipline.
Adam Lallana - 8 - Great contribution scoring 20 goals from midfield, showed he is one of the most skillful players in League One.
Lee Holmes - 6 - Plauged by injury all season, but did alright when given the chance.
David Connolly - 7 - Another bargain signing, superb work ethic and would have scored higher if he stayed injury free.
Lee Barnard - 7 - Signed in January, poor start to his Saints career, but his goals are now starting to win over the fans.
Rickie Lambert- 9 - SAINTS PLAYER OF THE SEASON - Has been phenomenal, a real goal machine who wins nearly every header he challenges for and is a dead ball specialist. Will be crucial to promotion hopes next season.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Saturday 15th May 2010
The contest to succeed Gordon Brown as the next Labour leader heated up today when Ed Miliband announced he would stand against his older brother David. This leaves me with a bit of a dilemma over which man would be a better leader?
David has the edge over Ed when it comes to experience, having been a Member of Parliament for four more years and holding the high profile job of Foreign Secretary over the last three years. However, David is perhaps a more divisive figure in the party; described by some as a "heir to Blair", he is unlikely to win the support of Labour's affiliated trade unions, who make up a third of the electoral college which decides the party leader.
Ed is seen by many as a Brownite candidate after he rose quickly through the ministerial ranks due to a close working relationship with the former Prime Minister. However, he is also popular with grassroots Labour activists and may have been persuaded to stand against his brother by party members on twitter and websites such as Labour List.
Another man expected to stand is Gordon's loyal lieutenant Ed Balls, who will probably be the firm favorite with the unions thanks to his friendship with Unite Political Director and fellow Brownite Charlie Whelan. However, it is a well known fact that Balls was not a much loved figure in the Cabinet, so his union support may be cancelled out by the Parliamentary Labour Party vote.
Its early days yet and while at the moment Ed Miliband has my support that may change in the coming weeks. All I can predict at this stage is that the next leader of the Labour party will have either the first name Ed or the surname Miliband. Or perhaps both...
David has the edge over Ed when it comes to experience, having been a Member of Parliament for four more years and holding the high profile job of Foreign Secretary over the last three years. However, David is perhaps a more divisive figure in the party; described by some as a "heir to Blair", he is unlikely to win the support of Labour's affiliated trade unions, who make up a third of the electoral college which decides the party leader.
Ed is seen by many as a Brownite candidate after he rose quickly through the ministerial ranks due to a close working relationship with the former Prime Minister. However, he is also popular with grassroots Labour activists and may have been persuaded to stand against his brother by party members on twitter and websites such as Labour List.
Another man expected to stand is Gordon's loyal lieutenant Ed Balls, who will probably be the firm favorite with the unions thanks to his friendship with Unite Political Director and fellow Brownite Charlie Whelan. However, it is a well known fact that Balls was not a much loved figure in the Cabinet, so his union support may be cancelled out by the Parliamentary Labour Party vote.
Its early days yet and while at the moment Ed Miliband has my support that may change in the coming weeks. All I can predict at this stage is that the next leader of the Labour party will have either the first name Ed or the surname Miliband. Or perhaps both...
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Wednesday 12th May 2010
The difference in opinion between David Cameron and Nick Clegg was crystal clear when the two men clashed in the UK's first ever televised leaders' debate last month. Back then, who would have thought that they would be hosting a joint press conference in Downing Street.
As I write, the new Prime Minister and his deputy are answering questions in the Downing Street garden, a historical moment when we think that the last person to lead a coalition government was Winston Churchill.
Its all smiles today with Cameron and Clegg looking at ease with each other, however I can't help but wonder how their relationship will change over the coming months. Will they govern together for a whole five years?
Last night I felt I was watching history in the making on television as I saw Gordon Brown honourably stand outside number 10 as Prime Minister for the last time, before David Cameron stood in the same spot about an hour later as our country's new leader. It was a remarkable moment in the modern history of Britain and Gordon's farewell speech was pitched perfectly, striking an emotional chord and even making non Labourites shed a few tears.
For the first time in 13 years Labour have not formed the government, but the mood among party activists appears to be optimistic for the future. Last week's election defeat was by no means a trouncing and after Gordon's resignation we can now look forward to a hotly contested leadership contest. David Miliband is the odds on favorite and will be boosted by this morning's news that Alan Johnson will back him, but I am not going to commit to anyone yet. Ed Balls is expected to be his main challenger and I will assess the strengths and weaknesses of all candidates before making an informed decision on who I want to lead Labour into the next general election.
As I write, the new Prime Minister and his deputy are answering questions in the Downing Street garden, a historical moment when we think that the last person to lead a coalition government was Winston Churchill.
Its all smiles today with Cameron and Clegg looking at ease with each other, however I can't help but wonder how their relationship will change over the coming months. Will they govern together for a whole five years?
Last night I felt I was watching history in the making on television as I saw Gordon Brown honourably stand outside number 10 as Prime Minister for the last time, before David Cameron stood in the same spot about an hour later as our country's new leader. It was a remarkable moment in the modern history of Britain and Gordon's farewell speech was pitched perfectly, striking an emotional chord and even making non Labourites shed a few tears.
For the first time in 13 years Labour have not formed the government, but the mood among party activists appears to be optimistic for the future. Last week's election defeat was by no means a trouncing and after Gordon's resignation we can now look forward to a hotly contested leadership contest. David Miliband is the odds on favorite and will be boosted by this morning's news that Alan Johnson will back him, but I am not going to commit to anyone yet. Ed Balls is expected to be his main challenger and I will assess the strengths and weaknesses of all candidates before making an informed decision on who I want to lead Labour into the next general election.
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Tuesday 11th May 2010
For anyone who actually reads this blog, you must think waiting for updates is like waiting for a bus. You wait for months for an update and now two in two days.
Poor Gordon Brown, can he do anything right? The right wing press (I refer collectively to the Sun, Daily Mail, Daily Express and Daily Telegraph) just don't seem to be satisfied with anything he does. They've been calling for Gordon Brown to resign all weekend and when he honourably did the right thing last night the Mail called it "A SQUALID DAY FOR DEMOCRACY" and the Express "THIS SHABBY STITCH-UP". Maybe these editors are just bitter that their shamefully biased election coverage failed to put Cameron in number ten with an overall majority and instead of turning on the Tory leader they look for another scapegoat, one who has had to bear the brunt of plenty of abuse over the last couple of years.
Whether Gordon's resignation paves the way for a Labour/Lib Dem coalition remains to be seen, but I'm glad he did the right thing and hasn't succumbed to hubris syndrome, which his predecessor Tony Blair arguably suffered from.
On the subject of coalitions, I can't help but feel a Lab/Lib coalition will only damage the Labour party in the long term. The best option is to stay in opposition and then pick up the pieces when the Conservatives and/or Liberal Democrats become increasingly unpopular after making savage spending cuts. Plus, to secure an overall majority, Labour would not only have to rely on the support of the Lib Dems, but also the Scottish, Irish and Welsh parties which have a small number of seats in the House of Commons, making the process all the more complicated.
The political situation at this present time feels uncertain, but after the Tories accepted last night that there needs to a referendum on electoral reform I can see a deal being done within the next 24 hours.
Poor Gordon Brown, can he do anything right? The right wing press (I refer collectively to the Sun, Daily Mail, Daily Express and Daily Telegraph) just don't seem to be satisfied with anything he does. They've been calling for Gordon Brown to resign all weekend and when he honourably did the right thing last night the Mail called it "A SQUALID DAY FOR DEMOCRACY" and the Express "THIS SHABBY STITCH-UP". Maybe these editors are just bitter that their shamefully biased election coverage failed to put Cameron in number ten with an overall majority and instead of turning on the Tory leader they look for another scapegoat, one who has had to bear the brunt of plenty of abuse over the last couple of years.
Whether Gordon's resignation paves the way for a Labour/Lib Dem coalition remains to be seen, but I'm glad he did the right thing and hasn't succumbed to hubris syndrome, which his predecessor Tony Blair arguably suffered from.
On the subject of coalitions, I can't help but feel a Lab/Lib coalition will only damage the Labour party in the long term. The best option is to stay in opposition and then pick up the pieces when the Conservatives and/or Liberal Democrats become increasingly unpopular after making savage spending cuts. Plus, to secure an overall majority, Labour would not only have to rely on the support of the Lib Dems, but also the Scottish, Irish and Welsh parties which have a small number of seats in the House of Commons, making the process all the more complicated.
The political situation at this present time feels uncertain, but after the Tories accepted last night that there needs to a referendum on electoral reform I can see a deal being done within the next 24 hours.
Monday, 10 May 2010
Monday 10th May 2010
I may have neglected this site in the last three months, but the exciting events of the last few days have been enough to get me out of blogosphere hibernation.
In the last hour it has been announced that Gordon Brown will resign as leader of the Labour party. As a recently paid up member of the party I can only see this as being a good thing. Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for Gordon. He has capably managed the economic crisis over the last couple of years and his financial knowledge and experience have ensured the grim situation hasn't been much worse. But after a clear defeat in last week's general election(though once again, it could have been much worse), to carry on as Prime Minister would not be right. As for standing down as Labour leader, I would be happy for him to stay on temporary to ensure some stability, but he has to step aside if we are to herald in a new era dubbed "Next Labour".
There are a number of individuals, such as the Miliband brothers and Douglas Alexander, who I have faith in to pick the party up from last week's defeat and for this to happen Gordon had to honourably stand down. Alan Johnson is another contender, but after his decision to sack chief drug advisor David Nutt last year I question his judgement and what he may do if a member of the Cabinet strongly disagrees with him. Harriet Harman is also an option, but after watching her recent performances as a stand in Prime Minister's Questions I'm not sure she has it in her and Ed Balls may be seen as too Brownite.
Of course its very early days yet, but if either Miliband brother stands in the contest they will most probably get my approval. If both David and Ed decide to stand against each other, however, then that is a much tougher choice...
In the last hour it has been announced that Gordon Brown will resign as leader of the Labour party. As a recently paid up member of the party I can only see this as being a good thing. Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for Gordon. He has capably managed the economic crisis over the last couple of years and his financial knowledge and experience have ensured the grim situation hasn't been much worse. But after a clear defeat in last week's general election(though once again, it could have been much worse), to carry on as Prime Minister would not be right. As for standing down as Labour leader, I would be happy for him to stay on temporary to ensure some stability, but he has to step aside if we are to herald in a new era dubbed "Next Labour".
There are a number of individuals, such as the Miliband brothers and Douglas Alexander, who I have faith in to pick the party up from last week's defeat and for this to happen Gordon had to honourably stand down. Alan Johnson is another contender, but after his decision to sack chief drug advisor David Nutt last year I question his judgement and what he may do if a member of the Cabinet strongly disagrees with him. Harriet Harman is also an option, but after watching her recent performances as a stand in Prime Minister's Questions I'm not sure she has it in her and Ed Balls may be seen as too Brownite.
Of course its very early days yet, but if either Miliband brother stands in the contest they will most probably get my approval. If both David and Ed decide to stand against each other, however, then that is a much tougher choice...
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