A brief insight into the thinking of Labour Party activists on their leader and our Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. I’m compiling these from online accounts and memory, and could do with more. Please send them to: “ben[at]nabidana.com” or drop them in the comments below.
Alan Johnson, Home Secretary:
“He’s not everyone’s cup of tea”
Manish Sood, Labour Candidate for Norfolk North West:
“I believe Gordon Brown has been the worst Prime Minister we have had in this country”
“It is a disgrace and he owes an apology to the people and the Queen.”
“All the policies he is bringing in are a total disaster.”
Frank Field, former Minister for Welfare Reform:
“That’s clearly part of the tragedy – on a personal level as well for a party, government and country level – that somebody whose real aim in life is to be prime minister, now has the task and seems so lacking in enjoyment in trying to carry it out”
Lord Peter Mandelson of Hartlepool, First Secretary and Business Secretary:
“The point you make about GB ‘being himself’ (whatever that is) is right. But this is no substitute for policy formulation and taking well prepared, well ordered decisions. This is more the problem than telling people you watch X Factor”
Alastair Campbell, former Downing Street special adviser:
“Psychological flaws” (attributed)
Tony Blair, former Prime Minister when Brown was Chancellor of the Exchequer:
“Psychological flaws aren’t the half of it” (attributed)
Caroline Flint, former Europe Minister:
“I am extremely disappointed at your failure to have an inclusive Government.”
James Purnell, former Work and Pensions Secretary:
“I now believe your continued leadership makes a Conservative victory more not less likely. I am therefore calling on you to stand aside to give our Party a fighting chance of winning.”
