ABG?
Politics, like nature, abhors a vacuum. Ever since Tony Blair was forced to declare that this would be his last year in office many of those closest to him (tho' by no means all) - aided by many in the media - have searched for a candidate to run against Gordon Brown.
First Alan Johnson was tipped to be ABG. Then John Reid. Their campaigns never took off and now, despite their Herculean efforts, the Mili-band wagon refuses to roll. No matter that there is, as yet, no credible Anyone But Gordon candidate, the Stop Gordon campaign is running in any event.
So it is that a minute of a decision taken 10 years ago is being used to highlight Gordon Brown's alleged flaws. The opposition are delighted to be presented with this open goal and the chance to re-open a controversy they tried but failed to get going a decade ago.
Meantime, many in the Labour Party despair at seeing their next leader damaged day after day whilst the "stop Gordon" crowd refuse to spell out what, let alone who, is the alternative. Unless, of course, Charles Clarke has other plans?
P.S. Talking of vacuums, there will be one on this blog until after Easter as I am enjoying the lull before the political storm to come. If you're getting one, have a good break
I'm 
Comments
Gordon Brown came out with a focused, strong, and early advantage. He’s wielded that to the maximum. People complain about Prime Minister Blair’s mistaken foreign policy towards Iraq, yet, appear to be equally dazzled by Gordon Brown’s headlights. At the very minimum, this must suggest something isn’t right.
My understanding of the mood of the country is that people are demanding more pragmatic, trustworthy, sensitive, and long-range policy making, and for politicians to raise the bar to suit. Gordon Brown is not properly tested and could disastrously fail this challenge. This is why a thorough leadership contest is necessary.
My personal favourite outcome remains John Reid and Margaret Beckett. They remain the best fit between national mood and delivery. No amount of arguing will change anyone’s mind over this but the holiday period may help clear a few minds so they’re more settled and open to the possibilities and realities.
A break Nick? But you can't! What on earth will I read for properly spelt and punctuated relief from the tedium which they call work? Enjoy yourself, you deserve it!
A cynic would suggest that you are taking an extended Easter holiday (this comment is posted on the 2nd April) to try and avoid commenting on Brown and his Pension debacle.
Shame on you Nick, because you have either decided to ignore the most disgraceful attack on the British public by a possible Prime Minister ever, or you have no clue what Browns attack on our pensions has done to us all.
Agian, Shame on you Nick.
I wish people would leave Gordon alone.
I would, as a Conservative voter, welcome Gordon as the next prime minister.
I think you need a bit longer than the Easter break, Nick, to get the right words together to try to change voters' perception of Gordon.
There is another aspect about this decision to tax this element of pension fund income. Gordon Brown took the decision just days after being elected and becoming Chancellor.
Where in the Labour Party's manifesto, or in his election speeches or interviews did they say they were going to do this?
No wonder the public are fed up with deceitful, manipulative politicians and their spin doctors. This sort of action is why we are ceasing to vote or financially support parties in large and growing numbers.
I've been canvassing for the District Council elections over the last couple of weeks and the strong message on national politics I've been getting is that people are fed up with being misled and lied to.
Politicians of all parties need to start telling the truth more regularly and consistently because a) real people will respect it b) they will get caught out e.g. Blair on Iraq and Brown on Pensions. The politician/party that strengthens the Freedom of Information Act will win votes.
Brown's best way forward would be new FoI and a "mea culpa" to clear the decks, but is he strong enough to do it? Is Cameron?
Isn't it great when the politician's plans come to nothing. So much for that dinner all those years ago between Tony & Gordon. The "you let me be leader and I'll anoint you" agreement has proven to be an albatross around their necks.
There should be an open leadership battle. The Labour party need one in order to show voters what they stand for now that Bliarism (yes, its spelt right) is dying.
The Conservative party need a contest so that they can highlight the splits that Labour have been trying to hide.
Brown's actions on pensions, and subsequent Treasury spin, have not aided his appeal to the voters. He has never been the most trustworthy of politicians where the nation's finances are concerned.
Isn't it extraordinary - in politics, if you repeat a mantra loudly and frequently enough it becomes the 'truth'..
Gordon Brown is now insisting (presumably in that dour and dismissive style of his, which permits no alternative view) that his 1997 raid on pension funds was the 'right decision'.
NO IT WASN'T. It has caused mayhem in the pensions industry, and has left a complete generation of pensioners (except, of course, those in the public sector) significantly poorer. The argument that the decision contributed to a 'stable economy' doesn't stand up either - the contribution which these funds might or might not have made, taken as a proportion of other factors, would have been more than offset by properly funded pensions.
It would probably be better for Labour if Blair, Prescott and Brown all go at the same time.
Nick,
Am I glad I am not a labour party member- not half. I would be going mad if I was- are they trying to damage themselves really beyond repair because thats how it seems. I know the media get a lot of criticism but I think you are making the situation worse- You are doing a lot of speculating when all it needs is a vote to decide who becomes leader and this speculation is surely a bit unnecessary???!!!
Have a good break and Easter Nick
After this latest revelation of how Nu Labour works (or does'nt),with the arrogant way they dismiss any information which does not tie in with their way of thinking,I keep getting the same picture in my head of smug Blair congratulating smug Brown after the Budget speech.Do they not realise that nobody believes them anymore and every revelation which comes out enhances that feeling.It feels that way down in deepest Wimbledon anyway.
Have a nice holiday, Nick
Nick is hardly likely to wade into the pensions row, is he ? By his own admission, he depends on Evan Davies for his economic analysis (God help him)! No wonder he has that confused look.
The punditdom seem entirely unable to understand why the electorate have taken against Brown so strongly, maybe they should try listening to vox populi for a change ?
The fact that local elections are generally used to voice support or opposition regarding national issues is both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the one hand we have a barometer telling us what people are happy or unhappy about on the national arena, but we punish good local administrations and reward bad local administrations that end by being supported or rejected for the wrong reasons. Another fact is that political parties represented in Parliament manipulate the output of local elections for the sake of propaganda regarding national issues.
Brown is in full disgrace after admitting yesterday,at least 4 times, he was alone responsible for the 'smash and grab' raid on pensions. He will never be forgiven for single handily destroying the most successful pensions industry in the world. It is easy to see Nick you are not nearing retirement. But I as one who recently retired saw my company pension savaged from what it was projected to be.Friends have seen their pensions more than halved. We saved nearly 40 years into our schemes. Brown has devastated many thousands of peoples retirement dreams. He is a 'basket case' and deserves to be thrown out of office.By his actions, he has used Labour to attack the poor.Shame on him.Life will get him back for this most devastating of crimes; he is the most successful burglar in history.
Joseph from from Maastrict is wrong on so many levels in my view.
The most disgraceful attack ever? And on either a deserving future PM or an undesrving one? Nothing but superlatives there, Joseph. No in betweens or grey areas? Maybe written in not a first language. Respect then from someone who is only fluent in one real language.
Oh and no shame on a worker taking a brief break either. Everything journalists do seem to have sub texts for some posters. Hopefully it is not all relevant.
Who in the USA was "taking a break" when John Kennedy was shot? Who cares?
Censored again. No wonder Nick has needed to take an Easter break. He is going to need it. LOL
The problem for Labour isn't Mr Brown, it is the legacy of Labour in office, good and bad, over ten years. Whatever you think of it, Labour's record has included some spectacular mistakes and fiascos - through all of which one G. Brown was at the Cabinet table. Culpability is so often a substitute for substantiated personal blame. So, be prepared for more Gord stories we he takes office of a different hue: not 'Gordon did this', but 'Gordon sat on his hands when X did this'.
Charles E Hardwidge wrote some fine words of wisdom, and his first paragraph captures the essence of our dilema.
Many pensioners now fear for the future, as the stealth taxes bite hard into their income and savings, and the NHS is cutting back on staff.
However the quest, by Mr Brown, to hold the top job is, as I see it, nothing but simple human greed, by a very complicated human!
If he gets this post it will ensure HIS financial future, since all 'ex-prime ministers' continue to receive the PM's salary for eternity. He has no worries about HIS pension either.
He has single handedly destroyed so much of our once 'Green and Pleasant Land' and history will record this, crediting him with his contribution to our now Brown UNPLEASANT Land.
Will the electorate notice?
Is there any way that his destructive policies can ever be reveresed?
I fear not, on both questions, so will we all have to think about leaving this damaged land and seek comfort and security elsewhere?
Our country is in serious decline.
Where is captain sensible?
We need you.
Brown is a disgrace to all, rich and poor, young and old, his social engineering serves no one but his own outdated politics. He likes to talk about leg up not hand out but his tax credits have created a whole generation and culture that is now reliant on hand outs. Tony Blair commented today that pensioners under Brown can now claim pension tax credits; no different then to the low paid losing their 10% tax break but can claim tax credits to make up the difference. Brown will not be happy until the whole nation is dependant on tax credits for this and that, with an army of civil servants administrating and keeping our life’s in check. Brown has killed off the notion of people supporting and looking after them self. His arrogant view that he has not stolen from pensioners should guarantee that no pensioner votes for him.
Anyone still left who might like to retire one day should veto this cold hearted thief. Hopefully one day Brown will end up like his politics and our pensioners, discarded discredited and claiming hand outs.
I don't understand why the vacuum is such a scary option to you all. Why do you need to be lead around? Especially by the likes of Bliar, Cameron or Brown. Golly! How did the world get by before we brought them civilization? My votes for the vacuum.
Have a nice chill, Nic, you're going to be manic in a few weeks time. You have me in stiches sometimes! Please don't bust a vessel live on air. PLEASE!
I believe that the 'ABG camp' need to look deeper into Labour Party ranks if they are to find a young contender to Gordon Brown. Perhaps the likes of Liam Byrne, David Lammy or even James Purnell would consider coming out from the shadows and throwing their hat in the ring to liven up this leadership race, and in doing so offer a fresh alternative to the Labour old guard.
I do hope that the Labour Party don't find anyone else other than that nice Mr Brown. He's totally unelectable, charmless, untrustworthy and arrogant - just what the Tory's need if they're to have a chance. The only good thing is that he gives Stalin a bad name.
Nick, why is your only angle in which approach a story or issue is to criticise the government?
Do you lack the ability to approach a story or issue from multiple angles? Surely it is poor journalism not to. It shows a very biased opinion, when the media is supposed to be neutral, and just tell us the news, rather than offer their view or spin on it.
I am frustrated my tv license money is going to you, someone I don't want telling me what they think of the government, if the Conservatives got into power, I wonder if you'd criticise them.....
I think in a democracy it is healthy for people to have doubts and express their opinions specially if someone else is going to become a PM,when the people of Britain given the mandate to Tony Blair in 2005 when he indicated that he wants to be PM for full term a day before the election.But there is no real alternative to GB and i am sure with the vision he has set out not only for Britain but also for the world as a whole,he would be an outstanding PM and let him prove his doubters wrong untill the next election.We all know that he was a leading figure expected to take the mantle of leadership of LP in 1997 and as a chancellor his scope was limited, and now he has the opportunity to do justice to his talent and vision .
We may be eagerly anticipating Tony Blair's imminent departure but should he be allowed to walk away from the mess?
Why the "Anyone but Gordon" campaign? Where were the dissenters when the Pensions were raised, PFI was imposed - wait till that comes round to bite us in the, er backside. Charles Clarke, Blunkett and Co are third rate politicans, as useful at politics as Ms Beckett is as Foreign Secretary. The Labour Party is fragmenting, as do all political parties, but the timing is unpleasant, since the Scottish elections are looming, and the last thing we need up here are the lunatics of the SNP in power.
BGarvie and others appear to be labouring under the misapprehension that Brown's decision on pensions was the sole driver for the problems that have occurred over recent years. This is far from the truth, and the repetition of it risks a quite distorted view among the public.
The main drivers for our pension problems are improved life expectancy, stock market volatility, changes to accounting rules (which ended a huge number of final salary schemes overnight) and a sea-change in the market's approach to pension management. Indeed it could be argued that the benefits to the economy of a policy which encouraged reinvestment rather than the outpouring of dividends, has more than made up for the Chancellor's tax changes.
It is pure party politics to blame the pensions crisis on Brown's decision, and utter nonsense to boot.
I'm glad you put "if you're getting one" before "have a good break". I'm standing in the Council Elections in May and I certainly did NOT have a weekend off!!!
Gordon Brown's hand book as rector of benefits of social security legally is an indication of someone well versed in details and not given to skim over with cosmetic excercises.As an engineering student myself i wouldnot have time for economist or sociologist in my hey days at 22 but now i can see student with concern for the welware of fellow students is some thing that put him ahead of rest of the pact when it comes to alleviating poverty of poor of the world and education and welfare of children in particular.
Jeremy Renwick (above) wrote: "... people are fed up with being misled and lied to ..." Also, just above, BGarvie wrote on Gordon Brown's 'smash and grab': "He will never be forgiven for single handily destroying the most successful pensions industry in the world." Too true.
A week may be a long time in politics, but in pensions a couple of years is no time at all. As Gordon seeks to maximise the power of the state, voters will be itching to throw him out for dissembling on important issues. We are a people and we want responsible stewardship, not manipulation.
Poor David Miliband. It's not his fault that the electorate will never vote for someone who sounds like an obscure metric unit - but they won't.
After the Scottish elections in May, it is possible that the SNP will be in power in Holyrood. If enough political and media playtime is given to this, it will seriously weaken Brown's position in England.
The SNP will push and push for a referendum on independence. The publicity that this will generate, together with the very real prospect of a "yes" vote in such a referendum, particularly if it is held after a successful period of SNP government in Scotland, will leave the English wary of what may well be, in a couple of years, a "foreign" prime minister - which surely isn't permitted anyway.
The likes of Brown, Reid, Blair (born, I understand, in Scotland), Browne et al may all, as a matter of constitutional necessity have to disappear from what would be left of the UK scene. The same would be true of the Campbell's and the Kennedy's of the Lib Dems.
An SNP vote in the Scottish Elections may, in a couple of years, remove a large number of Labour and Lib Dem seats from the equation in London. Thus making life very very difficult indeed for the Labour Party. Who, by then, will HAVE to have an English/Welsh leader. Who ? I don't really care, as I suspect that they will be spending a while on the other side of the House.