11/05/2007
Brown's Labour leader bid gains Blair's 'full support'
As Gordon Brown launched his campaign for the leadership of the Labour Party he has said that he is prepared to "listen and learn".
The UK Chancellor set out his "Gordon Brown for Britain" stall in a speech delivered to party activists in central London. Mr Brown declared that he was the candidate "with new ideas and vision" for the leadership of Britain and the Labour Party.
He said that his government would be humble enough to know its place and that it would "listen and learn."
He promised a new direction for new Labour to meet the new challenges, one that would "restore power to parliament in order to build the trust of the British people in our democracy."
Today Tony Blair fully endorsed the bid by the UK Chancellor. He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to give my full support to Gordon as the next leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister and to endorse him fully."
Mr Brown's campaign manager, Commons Leader Jack Straw, said challengers for the party leadership would be welcomed. However, the two contenders to emerge have delayed a decision over who will stand aside. This has fuelled speculation that neither has achieved the requisite 44 nominations from Labour MPs necessary to run in a contest against Mr Brown.
Party left-wingers Michael Meacher and John McDonnell claimed that the contest to win support for their nominations was "too close to call".
Mr Brown's leadership will may well proceed to the hustings unopposed as no other of the party's Blairite faithful have come forward to declare an interest in the leadership.
As for the deputy leadership Peter Hain and Harriet Harmon have declared that they are running and published lists of their backers. Alan Johnston and Hazel Blears are also considered likely to get sufficient backing to win nominations.
John Cruddas has said that he may get the support of 45 MPs, though Hilary Benn has yet to declare the level of support among MPs.
The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party John Prescott will stand down on June 27, the same day as the Prime Minister.
(SP)
The UK Chancellor set out his "Gordon Brown for Britain" stall in a speech delivered to party activists in central London. Mr Brown declared that he was the candidate "with new ideas and vision" for the leadership of Britain and the Labour Party.
He said that his government would be humble enough to know its place and that it would "listen and learn."
He promised a new direction for new Labour to meet the new challenges, one that would "restore power to parliament in order to build the trust of the British people in our democracy."
Today Tony Blair fully endorsed the bid by the UK Chancellor. He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to give my full support to Gordon as the next leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister and to endorse him fully."
Mr Brown's campaign manager, Commons Leader Jack Straw, said challengers for the party leadership would be welcomed. However, the two contenders to emerge have delayed a decision over who will stand aside. This has fuelled speculation that neither has achieved the requisite 44 nominations from Labour MPs necessary to run in a contest against Mr Brown.
Party left-wingers Michael Meacher and John McDonnell claimed that the contest to win support for their nominations was "too close to call".
Mr Brown's leadership will may well proceed to the hustings unopposed as no other of the party's Blairite faithful have come forward to declare an interest in the leadership.
As for the deputy leadership Peter Hain and Harriet Harmon have declared that they are running and published lists of their backers. Alan Johnston and Hazel Blears are also considered likely to get sufficient backing to win nominations.
John Cruddas has said that he may get the support of 45 MPs, though Hilary Benn has yet to declare the level of support among MPs.
The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party John Prescott will stand down on June 27, the same day as the Prime Minister.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 December 2007
More Questions Than Answers On Labour Party Donations
The Government is to have no respite from the growing chorus of questions on party funding activities. Opposition parties have continued to maintain pressure on the Labour party funding issue, demanding to be told who knew about donations to the party.
More Questions Than Answers On Labour Party Donations
The Government is to have no respite from the growing chorus of questions on party funding activities. Opposition parties have continued to maintain pressure on the Labour party funding issue, demanding to be told who knew about donations to the party.
19 September 2008
Embattled PM Faces Online Disgruntlement
Rumbles of Labour discontent have been felt on the party's website - proving the Prime Minister has fallen out of favour with grass root supporters. An online poll has suggested embattled Labour leader Gordon Brown faces strong opposition from members logging onto Labourhome.org - a forum for party followers.
Embattled PM Faces Online Disgruntlement
Rumbles of Labour discontent have been felt on the party's website - proving the Prime Minister has fallen out of favour with grass root supporters. An online poll has suggested embattled Labour leader Gordon Brown faces strong opposition from members logging onto Labourhome.org - a forum for party followers.
16 September 2008
Scotland Minister Resigns From Government
Minister for Scotland David Cairns has resigned from Gordon Brown's government, Downing Street has confirmed. The news comes amid the Labour party's refusal to send out leadership nomination forms.
Scotland Minister Resigns From Government
Minister for Scotland David Cairns has resigned from Gordon Brown's government, Downing Street has confirmed. The news comes amid the Labour party's refusal to send out leadership nomination forms.
14 May 2007
Labour leadership nominations open
Michael Meacher has stood aside for John McDonnell who will be a candidate to contest the Labour Party leadership election against Gordon Brown. Mr Brown says he would welcome the contest. On Sunday Mr Brown took part in his first debate with two of the possible contenders, Michael Meacher and John McDonnell.
Labour leadership nominations open
Michael Meacher has stood aside for John McDonnell who will be a candidate to contest the Labour Party leadership election against Gordon Brown. Mr Brown says he would welcome the contest. On Sunday Mr Brown took part in his first debate with two of the possible contenders, Michael Meacher and John McDonnell.
17 May 2007
Brown 'humbled' by Labour support
Chancellor Gordon Brown has said that he was "truly humbled" by the support he received from the Labour party, after he secured enough nominations to become party leader without a leadership contest.
Brown 'humbled' by Labour support
Chancellor Gordon Brown has said that he was "truly humbled" by the support he received from the Labour party, after he secured enough nominations to become party leader without a leadership contest.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.