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17/05/2007
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.
Mr Brown secured nominations from 313 Labour MPs, meaning that his only rival, John McDonnell only got 29 votes - he would have needed 45 in order to force a leadership contest.
Mr Brown will assume control of the party when Tony Blair steps down as party leader at a conference in Manchester on June 24. He will then become Prime Minister three days after Mr Blair steps down from the post.
Speaking after the closure of nominations guaranteed his position, Mr Brown outlined his objectives as Prime Minister, saying that his "passion" was education and his "immediate priority" was the NHS.
Mr Brown said: "I will strive to earn your trust, not just in foreign policy, but to earn your trust in our schools, in our hospitals and in our public services."
Meanwhile, six MPs will participate in the race to succeed John Prescott as deputy party leader. Education Secretary Alan Johnson is currently the favourite with 70 votes, but also in the running are Justice Minister Harriet Harman, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain, Labour Party Chairman Hazel Blears, International Development Secretary Hilary Benn and backbencher Jon Cruddas.
There will be ten hustings around the country ahead of the conference on June 24 when the new deputy leader will also be announced.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell said that the fact that Gordon Brown would not face a challenger in the leadership contest meant that there should now be a General Election. He said: "As Mr Brown will not face a challenger, it is all the more important that there should be a General Election now. The country is surely entitled to pass judgement on whether he should become the most powerful politician in the country.
"A coronation is good neither for Labour nor Britain. It is no way to install a Prime Minister when even his own party doesn't have a choice."
(KMcA/JM)
Mr Brown secured nominations from 313 Labour MPs, meaning that his only rival, John McDonnell only got 29 votes - he would have needed 45 in order to force a leadership contest.
Mr Brown will assume control of the party when Tony Blair steps down as party leader at a conference in Manchester on June 24. He will then become Prime Minister three days after Mr Blair steps down from the post.
Speaking after the closure of nominations guaranteed his position, Mr Brown outlined his objectives as Prime Minister, saying that his "passion" was education and his "immediate priority" was the NHS.
Mr Brown said: "I will strive to earn your trust, not just in foreign policy, but to earn your trust in our schools, in our hospitals and in our public services."
Meanwhile, six MPs will participate in the race to succeed John Prescott as deputy party leader. Education Secretary Alan Johnson is currently the favourite with 70 votes, but also in the running are Justice Minister Harriet Harman, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain, Labour Party Chairman Hazel Blears, International Development Secretary Hilary Benn and backbencher Jon Cruddas.
There will be ten hustings around the country ahead of the conference on June 24 when the new deputy leader will also be announced.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell said that the fact that Gordon Brown would not face a challenger in the leadership contest meant that there should now be a General Election. He said: "As Mr Brown will not face a challenger, it is all the more important that there should be a General Election now. The country is surely entitled to pass judgement on whether he should become the most powerful politician in the country.
"A coronation is good neither for Labour nor Britain. It is no way to install a Prime Minister when even his own party doesn't have a choice."
(KMcA/JM)
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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.
03 March 2010
Former Labour Leader Foot Dies
Tributes have been paid to Labour stalwart Michael Foot, who died today. Mr Foot was 96 and led the Labour Party between 1980 and 1983. He stood down from the helm of the party following a disastrous defeat to Margaret Thatcher's Tories. His left-wing 1983 election manifesto was branded by some "the longest suicide note in history".
Former Labour Leader Foot Dies
Tributes have been paid to Labour stalwart Michael Foot, who died today. Mr Foot was 96 and led the Labour Party between 1980 and 1983. He stood down from the helm of the party following a disastrous defeat to Margaret Thatcher's Tories. His left-wing 1983 election manifesto was branded by some "the longest suicide note in history".
11 May 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.
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.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
