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10/01/2005
Rumours grow over 'gulf' between Blair and Brown
Reports are still continuing to surface regarding the alleged deepening rift between Prime Minister, Tony Blair and his Chancellor, Gordon Brown.
A new book by 'Sunday Times' journalist, Robert Peston, has claimed that Mr Blair reneged on a pledge to step down before the next general election, leaving the way clear for Mr Brown.
The Prime Minister has further fuelled the rift rumours by scheduling a major speech, detailing the themes of Labour's election manifesto for Thursday, while Mr Brown is touring Africa.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Mr Brown has stressed the importance of behaving in a "unified way" to ensure that the government was re-elected. The Chancellor also stated that he had already discussed the election campaign with the Prime Minister.
Mr Peston's new book, 'Brown's Britain' has alleged that Mr Blair had promised the Chancellor that he would step down in November 2003, because he felt the voters' did not trust him, because of the Iraq War. However, Peston claims, he changed his mind in June 2004, following the intervention of Cabinet allies as well as an alleged suspicion that Mr Brown was moving against him.
Mr Blair said in a recent interview that he would never have made such a promise, claiming "you don't do deals over jobs like this".
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Chairman, Matthew Taylor MP, accused the Prime Minister and Chancellor of "behaving like children". Commenting on the new reports in 'Brown's Britain', Mr Taylor said: "The personal ambition of Blair and Brown now seems to be getting in the way of good government. Either they need to grow up and put their squabbles to one side or they cannot expect the electorate to support a divided government at the next election."
(KMcA/SP)
A new book by 'Sunday Times' journalist, Robert Peston, has claimed that Mr Blair reneged on a pledge to step down before the next general election, leaving the way clear for Mr Brown.
The Prime Minister has further fuelled the rift rumours by scheduling a major speech, detailing the themes of Labour's election manifesto for Thursday, while Mr Brown is touring Africa.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Mr Brown has stressed the importance of behaving in a "unified way" to ensure that the government was re-elected. The Chancellor also stated that he had already discussed the election campaign with the Prime Minister.
Mr Peston's new book, 'Brown's Britain' has alleged that Mr Blair had promised the Chancellor that he would step down in November 2003, because he felt the voters' did not trust him, because of the Iraq War. However, Peston claims, he changed his mind in June 2004, following the intervention of Cabinet allies as well as an alleged suspicion that Mr Brown was moving against him.
Mr Blair said in a recent interview that he would never have made such a promise, claiming "you don't do deals over jobs like this".
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Chairman, Matthew Taylor MP, accused the Prime Minister and Chancellor of "behaving like children". Commenting on the new reports in 'Brown's Britain', Mr Taylor said: "The personal ambition of Blair and Brown now seems to be getting in the way of good government. Either they need to grow up and put their squabbles to one side or they cannot expect the electorate to support a divided government at the next election."
(KMcA/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
