Menu
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.
15 March 2010
Brown Attacks Unite Over BA Strike
The Labour party leader has 'turned on' a leading trade union and slammed their planned walk-out. Prime Minister Gordon Brown used a radio interview this morning to hit out at the Unite union as talks with its leadership failed to produce a breakthrough and a three-day stoppage by airline cabin crew looms for this weekend.
Brown Attacks Unite Over BA Strike
The Labour party leader has 'turned on' a leading trade union and slammed their planned walk-out. Prime Minister Gordon Brown used a radio interview this morning to hit out at the Unite union as talks with its leadership failed to produce a breakthrough and a three-day stoppage by airline cabin crew looms for this weekend.
29 September 2005
NHS plan defeat for Labour party leadership
The Labour Party leadership has suffered an embarrassing defeat over proposals to increase private company involvement in health care. Unison leader David Prentis accused the Labour Party of "government by diktat" and asked if the party's vision was really a health service "driven not by patient need, but by profits and markets.
NHS plan defeat for Labour party leadership
The Labour Party leadership has suffered an embarrassing defeat over proposals to increase private company involvement in health care. Unison leader David Prentis accused the Labour Party of "government by diktat" and asked if the party's vision was really a health service "driven not by patient need, but by profits and markets.
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.
-
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.
