Archive for the ‘Downing Street’ tag
Unite’s stranglehold on Labour
If there were any doubts about how much power the trade unions wields over Gordon Brown’s Labour party, today the truth is becoming clear.
This morning The Sun splashed with some interesting statistics about Labour’s dependence on the unions.
While Labour is dependent on most unions for its continued survival, the Unite Union is rapidly emerging as the power behind Labour and its election campaign.
Not only are they bankrolling the party and undertaking its outsourced election campaign, but their political director, Charlie Whelan, is now back working as a key adviser to Gordon Brown.
Brown needs to shutdown the speculation
If you’ve been living under a rock for the last 36 hour’s, you may have missed the intense speculation that the general election may be about to be called.
Yesterday two more polls, by Ipsos/MORI and the YouGov/Sun daily tracker, both reinforced the tightening poll position that other companies have been reporting. Add to this today’s news from the ONS that they’ve revised up the latest GDP figures – confirming that Britain it out of recession and you would think things look good for Brown.
Downing Street spinners target Sam Cam
The spirit of McBride lives on in Downing Street. According to the Telegraph Downing Street spinners have turned their guns on Samantha Cameron:
“Briefing against her has already begun,” discloses my man in Gordon Brown’s bunker.
Astonishingly, Labour officials claim that David Cameron’s wife, who transformed the fortunes of the Mayfair stationer Smythson while raising three children, is “lazy”.
Phil Woolas – what a prat
How Phil Woolas became immigration minister I have no idea, time and time again he ether speaks out of turn or simply embarrasses the government, and yes he at it again.
No doubt he felt that describing Christine Pratt, the head of the National Bullying Helpline, as a “prat of a woman” on LBC Radio would help Gordon Brown, but it wont.
A minister of the crown should not speak of anyone in this way, no matter what they say about the Prime Minister.
Prezza loses it on Newsnight
I still find it rather surprising to find John Prescott spearheading the vanguard that’s jumped to Gordon Brown’s defence as he fights off bullying allegations.
Every politico and everyone in Westminster knows that stories about the Prime Minister’s anger management issues have been around since he was in the treasury, and that when he moved next door to No. 10 things got worse.
Lets not forget Spencer Livermore, one of Gordon Brown’s most senior aides, was reduced to tears after the Prime Minister exploded in rage, blaming him for the on-off autumn Election fiasco.
Cameron calls for Brown bullying investigation
Speaking at an event in London, David Cameron called for Sir Phillip Mawer, the independent adviser on the ministerial code of conduct, to investigate allegations that Gordon Brown bullied staff in Downing Street (video bellow).
While no one can suggest that Team Brown have control of the story, an investigation by Sir Mawer is the last thing No 10 wants. If there was to be an investigation, and there is no sign as yet that one is to be launched, it would no doubt be long and protracted and would probably run through the election campaign.
Brown has questions to answer
The serialization of Andrew Rawnsley new book, a book some are already calling the most eagerly awaited political book for years, was always going to cause a stir, and today’s revelation’s that Gordon Brown abused Downing Street staffers has really set the cat amongst the pidgins.
All the claims made in the book have been strenuously denied all day by Number 10, and the Cabinet have been wheeled out in support.
Bloggers to be allowed into Westminster lobby
The stranglehold that the main stream media and the dead tree press have over the Westminster Lobby system, whereby journalists get privileged access to certain parts of Parliament and get information from MPs on the understanding that the source will not be revealed, is set to be loosened
According to David Singleton, House of Commons authorities are “fine-tuning” plans to allow bloggers into the inner sanctum and the “privileged access” to government communications that comes with being an accredited Lobby journalist. continue reading
Emotions get the better of Alastair Campbell [VIDEO]
During his time at the heart of Number 10 Alastair Campbell gained a reputation in and around Westminster as being an aggressive, short tempered spinner. As the ultimate fixer few saw hm as emotional, but today, in what some will see as classic media manipulation, he became so emotional whilst being interviewed by Andrew Marr that that he came close to breaking down.
Insisting that Tony Blair did not mislead parliament in the run-up to the Iraq war, Campbell appeared angry and upset as he paused for several seconds under the questioning.
After regaining his composure he said that there was now “constant vilification” on the issue from the media, adding “I don’t think the media is interested in truth now… (it’s) interested in settling scores, settling agenda.”
Grayling: Government misuse of intelligence
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling has issues the following statement commenting on reports that the White House has accused Downing Street of making ‘a mistake’ over allegations that Britain told American intelligence agents more than a year ago that Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab had links to extremists:
“This is the second time in a week that Downing Street has given false information about the nature of its discussions with the United States over terrorist issues. For a UK Prime Minister to behave in this way is nothing short of a complete disgrace. These are highly sensitive issues of national importance and should be dealt in a manner that is free from political opportunism and spin.”
Judging by his comments over the last few week’s, beginning at the start of the Christmas period, i appears that Mr Grayling is once again acting as the party’s general “attack dog.” It’s clear that we will see more and more of him throughout the coming months, especialy as the Conservatives increase their assaults on government during the campaign.
