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12/05/2008
Can Queen's Speech 'Save' Brown
Gordon Brown is expected to use this week's Queen's Speech programme to try to reclaim the political initiative after last week's disastrous showing for Labour in the local council elections.
He is setting out his draft for the autumn with promises of new measures on schools and health.
But - his trial by media is equally important - as he has had to contend with another round of disclosures about his turbulent relationship with ex PM, Tony Blair in the form of John Prescott's autobiography, serialised in The Sunday Times.
The former Deputy Prime Minister described Mr Brown as a "frustrating, annoying, bewildering and prickly" man who could "go off like a bloody volcano" and revealed that he had at various times urged Mr Blair to sack him as Chancellor and suggested to Mr Brown that he should quit so that he could fight Mr Blair from the backbenches.
"With Tony, when he was moaning on about Gordon's behaviour, I'd say 'Sack him. Find a new Chancellor if that's how you really feel.' But neither could take the final step. They were caught in their own trap," said Prescott.
(BMcC)
He is setting out his draft for the autumn with promises of new measures on schools and health.
But - his trial by media is equally important - as he has had to contend with another round of disclosures about his turbulent relationship with ex PM, Tony Blair in the form of John Prescott's autobiography, serialised in The Sunday Times.
The former Deputy Prime Minister described Mr Brown as a "frustrating, annoying, bewildering and prickly" man who could "go off like a bloody volcano" and revealed that he had at various times urged Mr Blair to sack him as Chancellor and suggested to Mr Brown that he should quit so that he could fight Mr Blair from the backbenches.
"With Tony, when he was moaning on about Gordon's behaviour, I'd say 'Sack him. Find a new Chancellor if that's how you really feel.' But neither could take the final step. They were caught in their own trap," said Prescott.
(BMcC)
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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.
