Conservative Councillors on West Lindsey District Council have elected a new leadership team at their Annual General Meeting.
Cllr. Jeff Summers, who represents the Waddingham and Spital Ward, has moved up, from his previous role as Deputy Leader, to become the Leader of the Conservative Group on the Council. Meanwhile, elected as his Deputy, is Cllr. Mrs. Anne Welburn, who represents the Cherry Willingham Ward.
Cllr. Summers paid tribute to his predecessor at the meeting, saying:
“Cllr. Keimach has done a magnificent job over the past three years in leading our group and providing leadership at the council enabling it to deliver for the people of West Lindsey. I am proud to have served as his deputy and am pleased to succeed him.”
Cllr. Summers has committed to continuing the Conservative Group’s work at the authority to provide quality frontline services to residents whilst keeping Council Tax low. Cllr. Summers commented:
“I am naturally grateful to the Conservative Group for electing me in to be their Leader. Such a position is a both an accolade and a responsibility. I will be working hard to build consensus.”
The election means that Cllr. Jeff Summers will be the majority Conservative Group’s nominee for Council Leader at the Annual Council Meeting on Monday 20th May and is therefore expected to become Leader of the Council. Cllr. Summers added:
“West Lindsey District Council has to become increasingly efficient to keep Council Tax down for residents, and maintain services, in these difficult times. The Conservative Group will work together to achieve that.”
Cllr. Summers has appointed Cllr. Giles McNeill, who represents the Nettleham Ward, as the Group’s Chief Whip.
The mood in the Conservative camp is one of 'undisguised mirth', as David Crow put it, at the election of Ed Miliband as Leader of the Labour Party.
Leader of the Labour Party
Ed Miliband MP.
On Saturday night, shortly after the result was announced, staff at Conservative headquarters in London were, it is understood, popping open the champagne. Advisers to Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron think the next election is more winnable than ever.
Much of this relief is understandable. Ed Miliband’s victory has sounded the death knell for New Labour, that election-winning machine which the party had come to hate. The Conservatives have always said Tony Blair was unbeatable and feared that David Miliband, his last disciple, would also prove a tough opponent.
Ed Miliband sees no shame in closing the door on the Blairite past, and everything it stood for.
"The era of New Labour has passed, a new generation has taken over."
Were the word used yesterday, in his first major interview since winning the crown, with the BBC's Andrew Marr.
There is nothing 'new' however, about the team that now leads Labour. Ken Livingstone is not only the party’s mayoral candidate, but also topped the poll in the race to sit on the party's governing body - the National Executive Committee. Lord Kinnock, red-flag bearer for the left wing, was one of Ed Miliband’s most vocal supporters. Despite Blair’s attempts to consign them to history, the union barons are once again an important voice in the political debate.
Beyond the same old faces. Gone is the emphasis on social mobility, on reward for hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. It will be replaced by 'equality', essentially old-fashioned redistribution of wealth. Labour no longer wants to have more pie – it just wants to cut it up more evenly.
The banks will be bashed; the rich will be soaked; the private sector will be banished from public services. This is the manifesto on which Labour will fight the next election.
For Ed Miliband is not the joke that his opponents are trying to portray him as. No, he is not as good as Blair, few politicians are. But he is still a credible leader considering recent peers.
Susan Boyle of X-Factor fame
before and after.
He is much better than Neil Kinnock, the 'Welsh windbag' that voters simply would not vote for in 1992 – no matter how much they hated John Major and his completely divided government. As Gordon Brown’s favourite number cruncher, he is clearly economically literate, unlike Harriet Harman, and will be able to twist facts and figures to attack the government as only a Brownite can. He is no professional for the media, but his smile is nowhere near as scary as Brown’s, and the transformations that can be managed today, with a little coaching, are staggering - think Susan Boyle.
If he can convince the big trade unions to keep industrial unrest in check, his populist brand of socialism could tap into the banker-bashing zeitgeist. As could his claim that the deficit can be reduced without much pain. Voters might say they back tough cuts right now, but it is easy to say that before their impact starts to bite.
Worst of all for David Cameron is that Ed Miliband is a relative unknown – both in politics and public. A fresh face gives him an enormous advantage - which his brother, David Miliband, would not have had
Last night the Officers of Conservative Future in Lincolnshire endorsed local candidate, Mr. Simon Cavalier-Jones, who is in the running for the National Chairmanship of the Conservative Party's youth organisation.
Mr. Cavalier-Jones has said:
"Following many years as an ordinary member of Conservative Future, I am standing for National Chairman to try and create an organisation we can be proud of. I want to see CF nurture the brightest and best talent into the highest levels of the Conservative Party.
"I want to see CF become an organisation that is taken seriously and that we are all proud of.
"As Chairman I will tirelessly champion the views of the membership, and stand up on issues that matter to you."
Lincolnshire CF is relatively small compared with other areas, and Mr. Cavalier Jones was always likely to secure the endorsement of his home patch, nevertheless Mr. Cavalier-Jones will no doubt be happy to have received such support.
CF in Lincolnshire Deputy Chairman, Giles McNeill, said:
"Tonight we have met the two candidates, who have declared and remain in the race. Both Ben and Simon have their good points and are passionate about making CF better in the future.
"We believe that Simon has the experience, key skills, and intellect to take Conservative Future forward, building an organisation which is national in scope and outlook and less focussed on London."
Mr. Patrick Sullivan, leadership contender for National Chairman of Conservative Future is to quit the race for the top job to spend more time on Social Action projects, London Spin can reveals. Mr. Sullivan is believed to be working closely with Cllr. Robert-John Tasker, Conservative (Coombe Vale Ward - The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council), to create a special selection of ‘Help for Heroes’ fundraising hustings across the country to raise money for wounded troops and their families.
Commenting on the news, fellow contender Mr. Simon Cavalier-Jones, East Midlands CF Deputy Chairman, told this London Spin,
"Patrick has been a loyal servant to Conservative Future for many years, it is a measure of the man that he has chosen to focus his efforts on such a noble cause. His plans to support Help for Heroes is fantastic and can only benefit all concerned. I hope all CF members will support his drive to raise money for a group of men and women who do a great service for all of us."
All funds raised from the hustings events will go directly to the Help for Heroes charity. It is understood that Sullivan will call on all candidates to do more to help CF Social Action projects.
Mr. Simon Cavalier-Jones, Deputy Chairman of Conservative Future Lincolnshire was speaking at an important Conservative Future - the youth movement of the Conservative Party - Area Meeting last night in Leeds. Mr. Cavalier-Jones who is also a Deputy Regional Chairman for the organisation declared his intention to run for the National Chairmanship of Conservative Future (CF). He gave a speech setting out his plans for CF and then asking for the endorsement Yorkshire CF. In terms of regions Yorkshire, like Lincolnshire, is one the biggest, crucially it is also one of the most active. Any candidate with their support has to be a runner in this election.
"East Midlands CF have already endorsed his candidacy, so we're looking at the prospect of a Northern power base Not much is known about Cavalier-Jones, except that he is 25 and works in consultancy. He worked across the East Midlands on the target seat campaign during the elections. He is certainly looking like the outside candidate and is said to have a fair bit of cash behind his bid."
However in another leadership race Labour Leadership contender David Miliband MP was left red-faced on Thursday night after being snapped meeting a contender running to be National Chair of the Tory Youth movement. The front-runner for the Labour Party's Leadership mistook Mr. Cavalier-Jones as a Labour Party chief in an embarrassing mix-up, London Spin exclusively revealed.
Mr. Cavalier-Jones is reported to have said:
"Mr. Milliband was not best pleased when I told him I was standing for Conservative Future chair and then ran away, I thanked him for attending my Campaign launch but make it clear his attendance was not necessary."
Cllr. Burt Keimach, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward), is the new leader of West Lindsey District Council.
The Conservative Group, which has the ruling majority on West Lindsey District Council, elected their new leader last Thursday (more here).
Cllr. Keimach was chosen from the twenty-two strong Conservative Group, on the council, to take over from Mr. Adam Duguid, who lost his seat in the local elections at the start of May.
The Market Rasen representative was voted into office at Monday night's full council meeting.
Cllr Keimach said:
"I look forward to working with everybody within the authority and will continue to deliver our services at the lowest costs. I look forward to developing strong relationships both with the officers and our external partners, which I believe is crucial to driving the authority forward.I have an open approach to working and I welcome practical ideas and suggestions to deliver the very best service.West Lindsey has one of the lowest council tax increases and I want to strive to continue to keep it as low as possible. I want to make sure we continue the on-going work in Gainsborough and see the swimming pool promised for Market Rasen come to fruition."
The former Mayor of Market Rasen, is also a County Councillor for the Market Rasen Wolds Division.
He is married to Elizabeth and he has two children and one grandchild. Cllr. Keimach was educated at Harvard University and has a master degree from the University of London. His work background is in journalism and public relations.
West Lindsey District Council's Conservative Group elected their new leadership team last night at their Annual General Meeting.
The result of the poll of members of the Conservative Group on the Council has resulted in the elevation from the deputy-ship of Cllr. Burt Kiemach (Market Rasen Ward) who will as Leader, become the new Leader of the Council at the Anuual Council Meeting next month. He has beaten competition from Cllr. Ian Fleetwood (Bardney Ward), tipped by the Lincolnshire Echo as 'frontrunner', and Cllr. Chris Underwood Frost (Scottor Ward).
The group have also elected Cllr. Mrs. Irmgard Parrott (Cherry Willingham Ward) as the new Deputy Group Leader. Who saw off a challenge from Cllr. Geoff Summers (Wadingham & Spital Ward).
West Lindsey District Council's ruling Conservative group were left leaderless after voters in the Market Rasen Ward kicked out the council's leader Adam Duguid, who had become the Conservative leader in January earlier this year.
Following a net gain of one seat in local elections the Conservatives now have the opportunity to select a new group leader who will ultimately become Leader of the Council, and are expected to do so at the Group's Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 20th May 2010.
The first names to emerge into fray are Cllr. Ian Fleetwood, Conservative (Bardney Ward) and Cllr. Chris Underwood-Frost, Conservative (Scottor Ward). Two men from opposite sides of the district - Scotter in the north-west and Bardney in the south-east.
Cllr. Fleetwood previously held the position of Conservative Group Leader at the authority and is also a Lincolnshire County Council member representing the Bardney and Cherry Willingham Division. In previous contests Cllr. Underwood Frost has also feature as a possible leadership figure.
Cllr. Burt Keimach, Deputy Leader under Adam Duguid's leadership is also expected to enter the leadership contest.
Cllr. Geoff Summers, Conservaitve (Middle Rasen Ward) and Cllr. Jeff Summers, Conservative (Waddingham & Spital Ward) are both expected to enter the race for Deputy Leader.
The Lincolnshire Echo is reporting that Cllr. Adam Duguid, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) accepted his position via a text message sent from the United States of America, where he is on a skiing holiday. He received a text message informing him of his nomination for the leadership of West Lindsey District Council's Conservative Group and agreed to stand.
The paper report Cllr. Duguid as saying:
"It was all a bit confusing.
"I was away when it happened and I got a message saying I had been nominated and would I accept.
"I thought if people wanted me to do it, then I should accept the nomination and let them decide."
The appointment marks the end of a six-week search for a replacement following the resignation of Cllr Bernard Theobald (Wold View Ward).
Cllr. Adam Duguid and Cllr. Burt Keimach, both representing the Market Rasen Ward have been elected by their Conservative peers to become Leader and Deputy Leader of the West Lindsey District Council Conservative Group. These two councillors will now, by convention, become Leader and Deputy Leader of West Lindsey District Council.
Conservatives met last Thursday evening and their decision will surprise readers of the Lincolnshire Echo, who had tipped Cllr. Ian Fleetwood (Bardney Ward) as frontrunner. Since Cllr. Theobald's resignation as the Council's Leader, Cllr. Duguid has been Acting Leader of West Lindsey District Council and served as Deputy Leader of the Council following the Conservatives' winning control in the 2008 local elections. It is understood that Cllr. Ian Fleetwood was made interim leader of the group.
Cllr. Keimach was first elected in May 2008, at the time Cllr. Duguid, commented:
"I am proud to welcome Burt as a member of the Market Rasen team. I know how committed he is to serving our local community through his service on Market Rasen Town Council."
It would have been difficult to forecast that Cllr Keimach would have emerged so quickly into a leadership position, speaing to the Lincolnshire Echo in mid-December Cllr Keimach said:
"We wanted someone with good political experience and all the qualities necessary for good leadership - lead by consensus and democracy rather than any other less inclusive qualities. We don't want anyone to take executive decisions."
Time will tell if this is the style adopted by the pair.
Two other Conservative councillors who were named as potential leadership candidates are now Chairmen of two important committees. Cllr. Chris Underwood-Frost (Scotter Ward) is now Chairman of the influential Planning Committee and it is understood that Cllr. Mrs. M. Davidson will become Chairman of the Organisation and Resources Committee.
At the request of the local Conservative Association this story was prepared on Friday, 15th Janaury 2010 and embargoed until 12:00noon on Monday, 18th January 2010.
The battle to become the Leader of the West Lindsey District Council Conservative Group will reach the finishing post today.
The West Lindsey District Council Conservative Group will meet this evening and elect a new Group Leader and Deputy Group Leader. These two councillors will then, by convention, become Leader and Deputy Leader of West Lindsey District Council, following the resignation or Cllr. Bernard Theobald (Wold View Ward) and Cllr. Adam Duguid (Market Rasen Ward) who, it is understood, is not contesting the Deputy Leadership.
Since Cllr. Theobald's suspention from the Conservative Party, preceded by his surprise resignation as the Council's Leader, Cllr. Adam Duguid has been Acting Leader of West Lindsey District Council, it is understood that Cllr. Ian Fleetwood was made interim leader of the group. Nominations for the post were to be recieved by the Agent yesterday and it is believed that both positions will be contested elections.
Cllr. Ian Fleetwood, Conservative (Bardney Ward), emerged as favourite to secure the top job. One member of the Conservative Group confided in me last week:
"We know, it's going to be Ian."
Cllr. Fleetwood previously held the position of Conservative Group Leader at the authority and is also a Lincolnshire County Council member representing the Bardney and Cherry Willingham Division.
The Lincolnshire Echo also suggested Councillors Lewis Strange, Conservative (Kelsey Ward), and Chris Underwood-Frost, Conservative (Scottor Ward), whilst I predicted that former Deputy Group Leader, Cllr. Mrs. Meg Davidson, Conservative (Fiskerton Ward) and Chairman of the Council, Cllr. Mrs. Jessie Milne, Conservative (Lea Ward) might also be in contention.
There was some speculation that the Group may decide to have two Deputy Leaders of the Council, although the Group's constitution only allows for one Deputy Goup Leader. Based on conversations with Conservatives at West Lindsey it is thought that Cllr. Fleetwood's leadership style may not be too dissimilar to that of his predecessor Cllr. Theobald and so the likelihood of a triple leadership team seems to be receeding.
"Whether the SnowStorm Plot melts with the snow, or whether new developments, possibly tomorrow, keep the hopes, and the story, alive for those who would rather have a new leader for Labour, only time will tell."
It seems clear now that the revolt has died, although not without a handful lingering developments throughout the day.
As morning broke across the country, shortly before seven o'clock, with britons opening their curtains to another snow-covered scene Nick Clegg MP, the Liberal Democrat's Leader emerged on GMTV and weighted into the matter - better late than never. He echoed the view of the Conservative Party Chairman yesterday and said:
"We don't need a secret ballot, the country needs a General Election... The Labour party now is more interested in talking about itself."
He refused to answer questions about any possiblity of a Liberal Democrat - Conservative alliance in the event of a hung parliament, saying that the Liberal Democrat platform of "
fair taxes... smaller class sizes... a new economy and a completely new politics after the expenses scandal"
was what voters wanted him to be talking about.
Half an hour later Labour's Eric Joyce MP criticised what he called 'aristocrats at the top of the party' who he said believed they could stay quiet and let others get rid of the Prime Minister, but added that ultimately the failed attempt to unseat Gordon Brown would unify the party.
"The whole party will be much more unified, and the ambiguity will be gone.
"[The] aristocrats at the top of the party who thought that if they act coy they could inherit the leadership of the party.
"It’s quite destabilising for people to give hints to people like Geoff and Patricia.
"There’s an element of internal ambition where people aren’t prepared to take their own risk."
Twenty minutes later Cabinet Ministe Shaun Woodward MP insisted that he sits in a happy Cabinet, and that the reaction to the Hoon/Hewitt plan showed the Labour party supports Gordon Brown.
As the story began to die down as it started to be starved of the oxigen of publicity Jack Straw MP, Justice Secretary, accused the BBC's Nick Robinson of 'a very substandard piece of journalism', after the BBC Political Editor named Mr. Straw as one of six cabinet ministers willing to support yesterday’s call for a secret ballot on Gordon Brown’s leadership on the BBC's News at Ten. He said:
"I was named by Mr Nick Robinson of the BBC - he sent me an apology."
He went on to say that the Hoon/Hewitt plan had failed, and would have the ultimate effect of greater unity in the party.
"This extraordinary announcement yesterday by Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt has sunk. It was completely ill-judged and completely ill-advised.
"I think it will have the affect of bringing people behind his leadership even more.
"It is something we could easily have done with out – what we have got to is keep on and make the case for a Labour government."
At ten o'clock however it was Iain Martin of the Wall Street Journal who had the most significant and interesting detail from yesterday, he reported:
"I’ve heard from two Labour sources now that the conversation was very difficult and that Darling raised the possibility of Brown going, but the PM resisted. It would be taking it too far, says a well-placed MP, to say that the mild-mannered Darling told his old friend turned foe to call it a day. He said it was more that Darling floated the possibility of a swift departure for the sake of the party."
This was later rubbished by Niall Paterson of Sky News that an Aide to the Chancellor described it as 'categorically, unequivocally not true'.
Even the last Labour Deputy Prime Minsiter , John Prescott MP, entered the fray with a video blog on YouTube condeming the plotters suggesting that 'Patricia Hewitt, Geoff Hoon and Charles Clarke should be the ones facing secret ballots in their own constituency parties'.
As the morning continued David Miliband MP, Foreign Secretary insisted that all the Cabinet were united in their determination to win the next election under Gordon Brown’s leadership saying:
"No member of the government was involve in the letter - we are all determined to win the election under Gordon’s leadership."
On BBC 2's the Daily Politics Tony McNulty MP, denied that endorsements of Gordon Brown from cabinet members yesterday were lukewarm. There had been suggestions that statements from Mr. Brown's colleagues fell short of being ringing endorsements of Mr Brown's leadership throughout the morning.
Mr. McNulty instead suggested cabinet members are simply 'fed up' with having to say that Mr Brown is the right person for the leadership and added:
"The shame is this was on the end of a gaffe-prone week for the Conservatives."
After midday the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown MP, made his first public comments in a long-scheduled phone-in with BBC Radio Solent he said he was 'leading from the front' and would say 'what I think' even if at times it proved to be unpopular. He said:
"[E]very day there is a new problem, every day there is a new challenge - it is how you deal with it [that was important]."
Asked about events on Wednesday, he said:
"I was actually holding meetings, first of all about Afghanistan and about some of the terrorist implications of what had happened in America.
"And then, to be honest, for the rest of the day, I was dealing - as I am this morning - with how we can co-ordinate better our supply for dealing with these emergencies, so it's taken up very little of my time.
"I think it's one of these sidelines in this time when people are far more worried about - as they should be - about what we're doing to deal with the weather and how we're making sure that people are safe and secure.
"So it's not going to take up much of my time and hasn't certainly taken up much of my time today or will in future days."
And so around half past twelve today the SnowStorm Plot seemed to be over with the Prime Minister having the last word. But wait, no, what is this dark figure mincing towards us? None other that the master of the Dark Arts, (and presumably necromancy based on the number of time he's been back from the dead), Lord Mandelson who, as the sun set, reignited the flames of this narrative (which Gordon Brown had seemingly smothered at lunch time) saying that he was sure that Gordon Brown was the right man to lead Labour into a 'very vigorous, very effective' general election campaign.
"Yes I’m sure that Gordon Brown is the right man to lead us into an election campaign.
"[He] has a vision, has a huge knowledge of the economy… he has real drive, real determination.
"[Gordon Brown] will lead us into a very vigorous, very effective election campaign."
At the end of the day The Telegraphreported that Harriet Harman MP, Labour’s deputy leader, was being blamed for encouraging an attempted coup against Mr. Brown this week, with David Miliband MP, Foreign Secretary, also under suspicion of plotting.
Former Ministers Geoff Hoon MP and Patricia Hewitt MP began a campaign today to remove Prime Minister Gordon Brown by calling for a ballot of the Parliamentary Labour Party.
Just as Labour seemed to be uniting in the final months before a General Election, Mr. Hoon and Mrs. Hewitt were, according to the BBC's Nick Robinson, reportedly texting other Labour MPs furiously requesting a secret Ballot on Gordon Brown's leadership.
My Conservative Future colleague, Simon Cavalier-Jones on The Conservative Blog broke the story, beating both the BBC and Sky.
In the early moments of this plot it was hard to judge what level of support the revolt had, but as the minutes turned to hours further details emerged. If they could get enough support and momentum behind them it could be the end of Gordon Brown's Premiership.
Veteran backbencher, Frank Field MP became the first Labour parliamentarian to come out and back the Hoon/Hewitt campaign (ConservativeHome calling it the SnowStorm Plot), hotly followed by former Labour Home Secretary, and perennial revoltee Charles Clarke MP.
A letter due for publication in tonight's London Evening Standard from Mrs. Hewitt and Mr. Hoon, set out the basis for the challenge - that they feel the issue of leadership and internal briefings is undermining the party.
Patricia Hewitt MP on the BBC Radio 4's World at One said:
"I have not spoken to David [Miliband] about this. I have not spoken to any cabinet member about this. This is not an attempted coup it is exactly what we say on the letter.
"It could be done very, very quickly it could actually be done next Monday with the result declared at the Parliamentary Labour Party meeting that happens every Monday."
One hour into the news breaking Paul Waugh of the London Evening Standard was blogging about a rumours of a potential resignation by disgruntled cabinet minister, Theresa Jowell MP, yesterday evening. The trade union, Unite, called on Mr. Brown's challengers to drop their 'divisive and damaging' call for a ballot. Geraldine Smith MP, slammed the letter as a 'cowards charter' and the plotters as 'spineless'.
"I think it's a cowards charter and I think they are out of touch with a lot of Labour MP... What angers me is that the people involved are so spineless."
Ms Smith claimed there were few Labour MPs involved in the plan.
"They were huddled together [last night] in a little corner and I'd say there are no more than 10 to 20 people involved in this."
This was quickly followed by Conservative Party Chairman Eric Pickles Calling for a General Election declaring
"We can't go on like this."
At 13:51 Sky News reported that Gordon Brown might be turning to unlikely sources for help amid the crisis. Sky's Glen Oglaza tweets that Henry Winkler (a.k.a. The Fonz from Happy Days) just entered Downing Street.
David Blunkett, another former Labour Home Secretary is reported as saying:
"It is not possible according to our party's rules, it is not wanted by the PLP and, what is more, it is not needed."
Two hours into the crisis beginning Andy Burnham MP is the fist Labour Minister to decry the Hoon/Hewett campaign. Minuted later Mrs. Hewitt appears on Sky News saying:
"There is division on this issue, it is weakening us.
"We've had months punctuated by public calls for the prime minister to go, by resignations, by speculation, by private worries. I've had people in my constituency who strongly support the prime minister by want the issue resolved."
Barry Sheerman emerged at a quarter past two and tells the BBC that Gordon Brown cannot call for loyalty from Labour MPs after failing to show loyalty to Tony Blair:
"My loyalty is to my principles, my moral principles, my political principles, to my country and then to my party and I don't need anyone who undermined the previous Prime Minister and who was utterly disloyal telling me that I am disloyal,"
He also rejected claims that a secret ballot of MPs was against Labour party rules, insisting it was necessary to give backbenchers a say on the matter
."I understand there is no barrier for us to have a secret ballot otherwise why have the Parliamentary Labour Party? It's not only the place where the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers perform on a Monday night and the backbenchers have no voice at all.
"That is what caused frustration over this last period that the Parliamentary Labour Party has been manipulated by Gordon Brown and by the whips to stop us having an open discussion and having a vote."
Margaret Beckett weighs in with:
"I take the view that it’s a complete diversion, a waste of time, a big mistake, and should be ignored."
Asked what she would say to the Prime Minister if she were to speak to him she says:
"I would probably tell him fairly robustly to tell them where to go."
As the three hour mark of this crisis reared it's head John Mann, Labour MP for Bassetlaw bemoaned the call for a secret ballot on Gordon Brown’s leadership as 'self indulgence by two pompous idiots'. He said that Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt were 'serial plotters' adding 'these two have got previous, they attempted to backstab Blair, now they’re trying to backstab Brown'.
He claimed that Geoff Hoon was acting out of 'sour grapes' having not got a job in Europe and added:
"I’d like to take him into a back room and sort it out with him, because that is what he needs."
He went on to accuse Patricia Hewitt of 'raking in the money' from the private sector. He said she’s
"been raking in money from the private sector using her contact book, and that’s totally unacceptable."
At a quarter past three Nick Robinson reads a text message from Lord Mandelson:
"This is a complete overreaction, these people are not members of the government, no-one is resigning from the government."
Shortly thereafter Transport Minister, Sadiq Khan MP backs Gordon Brown's leadership.
Three and a half hours into the crisis senior cabinet minister, Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, dismissed the call for a secret ballot as a 'damp squib' and insists the cabinet is backing Gordon Brown.
"The government, the cabinet, the Labour party is fully behind Gordon Brown. He's the best leader to take us into the general election, he's also the best person to take the country through the global downturn."
Former minister Tony McNulty MP offers his take on both the weather and the challenge to Gordon Brown's leadership, claiming the plot
"will be as fleeting as the melting snow outside"
He should probably see the snow which has begun to accumulate by a magnitude.
A quarter to five and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Harriet Harman MP, finally speaks: "
I was dismayed to hear in the early hours of this morning that once again there was a fire blazing in Camberwell and that residents were being evacuated from their homes. I have, once again, conveyed my thanks to the local fire brigade and also the police, council officers and volunteers who worked together to help the residents who had to be rushed out of their homes. Thankfully there were no injuries but this is the third serious fire in Camberwell within the last year and I am greatly concerned about it…."
So nothing about the Leadership of the Labour Party. PoliticalBetting.com certainly think so and have promoted Ms Harman to the favourite position to launch a leadership bid.
As hour five began to dawned Sky News devlivered a statement from Chncellor, Alistair Darling MP, saying he will not be deflected from the business of government by calls for a leadership ballot.
"As far as I'm concerned we should be concentrating on the business of government and getting though the recession."
Minutes later, Alan Johnson, incumbent Labour Home Secretary, added his support to the Prime Minister saying:
"Gordon Brown is the best man to lead the Labour party. I respect Patricia and Geoff a great deal but I do not support their proposals."
As the working day came to close Cabinent Minsiter, Ed Miliband MP, warned Labour MPs against 'self indulgent navel gazing' and said he is sure his brother David would join him in backing the Prime Minister. This was followed by Justice Secretary, Jack Straw MP, joining the ranks of cabinet ministers defending Gordon Brown, insisting there is 'no issue' over Mr. Brown's leadership saying:
"I don't think there is an issue about the direction in which Gordon Brown and the cabinet and the government as a whole are seeking to lead the country."
Shortly before seven o'clock Foreign Secretary, David Miliband MP, said:
"I am working closely with the prime minister on foreign policy issues and support the re-election campaign for a Labour government that he is leading."
Shortly before ten o'clock Labour MP Eric Joyce (Falkirk) wrote on his blog that:
"[T]oday’s most newsworthy detail was that two cabinet ministers created a flap in the pigeon coup, but turned out not to be foxes but chickens."
And finally, on BBC 1's News At Ten, Nick Robinson reported that six cabinet members were prepared to support a revolt against Gordon Brown's leadership 'under the right circumstancs'. Nick Robinson emphasised that he had not spoken to those he later named as Harriet Harman MP, David Miliband MP, Douglas Alexander MP, Bob Ainsworth MP, Jack Straw and Jim Murphy. David Jones MP, Conservative (Clwyd West), notes that
"Such an announcement on prime time TV will only increase the tensions already seething within the cabinet and make the Prime Minister look even weaker."
And asks, rightly:
"Has Gordon the bottle to enact his own Night of Long Knives? Somehow I doubt it."
Whether the SnowStorm Plot melts with the snow, or whether new developments, possibly tomorrow, keep the hopes, and the story, alive for those who would rather have a new leader for Labour, only time will tell.
The Lincolnshire Echo is reporting that A former Conservative Group Leader has emerged as the favourite to take control of the West Lindsey District Council Conservative Group. Apparently, sources described as 'close to the Echo' - whoever they are - have revealed that Cllr. Ian Fleetwood, Conservative (Bardney Ward), is the front runner to replace Cllr. Bernard Theobald (Wold View Ward) as the Leader of West Lindsey District Council.
Cllr. Fleetwood previously held the position of Conservative Group Leader at the authority and is also a Lincolnshire County Council member representing the Bardney and Cherry Willingham Division. The Lincolnshire Echo have clearly forgotton that whilst Cllr. Fleetwood may have once been a contender it is hard to fathom how, following the suspension of his driving licence for a drink-driving offence earlier in the year, he emerges as front runner. Cllr. Fleetwood also represents Lincolnshire on a number of committees at the European level and so is often out of the country.
The Lincolnshire Echo also suggest Councillors Lewis Strange, Conservative (Kelsey Ward), and Chris Underwood-Frost, Conservative (Scottor Ward), as also being considered for the top job.
Cllr. Strange, who is County Councillor for the Ancholme Cliff Division, is an unlikely choice following publicly defending the achievements of Cllr. Theobald leadership although he is genteel, personable and one of the longest serving members of the Conservative Group, it is unlikely that as a portfolio holder on Lincolnshire County Council he has the time to commit to also being leader a district authority.
Cllr. Underwood-Frost is certainly known to have some limited ambitions in direction of the leadership, he would likely make a good leader in the inter-rim but may lack a desire to steer the council in the long term.
According to the Lincolnshire Echo's report Acting Leader Cllr. Adam Duguid, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) and former Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association Chairman until March of this year, has ruled himself out of the running for the leadership but said he would continue as a 'caretaker' until a new appointment is made.
The paper omits a number of other likely contenders who would make good Group Leaders: Former Deputy Group Leader, Cllr. Mrs. Meg Davidson, Conservative (Fiskerton Ward) and Chairman of the Council, Cllr. Mrs. Jessie Milne, Conservative (Lea Ward).
The Lincolnshire Echo suggest that a new leader could be confirmed at Monday's extraordinary council meeting or be left until the new year. I suspect that a Group Meeting will not select a new leader until after Tuesday, 22nd December 2009 and most likely not until the new year.
One change that is expected is to have two deputy leaders rather than the current system of just one. Following the Conservative Group's victory in the May 2008 local elections Cllr. Theobald was elected by the group as leader, Cllr. Mrs. Davidson was elected as Deputy Group Leader and Cllr. Theobald appointed Cllr. Duguid as Deputy Leader of the Council so having two deputies is not so unusual. If the leadership of the group changes there is also the possibility that other officers - such as the Chief Whip - may also be re-appointed.
The paper quotes Cllr. Burt Keimach, Conservative (Market Rasen) as saying that an announcement would be made
"when the time is right".
"We have had a meeting about it and that is all I can say."
"We are satisfied with the progress made. We wanted someone with good political experience and all the qualities necessary for good leadership - lead by consensus and democracy rather than any other less inclusive qualities. We don't want anyone to take executive decisions."
Guido Fawkes is reporting that following some enquires he now has positive confirmation that the game is a foot for the Labour Leadership Contest to begin anew.
Jack Straw claimed yesterday that Gordon Brown was secure in his job and would not be ousted may now be showing signs of strain as it appears that Gordon Brown's leadership is very much on the agenda.
Guido says that:
"If UKIP were to beat Labour, Nigel Farage is right, Brown would have to go. No amount of spin that 'all mainstream politics is disgraced' would save Gordon, that would only make sense if the Tories were beaten by UKIP as well. Just as the end of David Owen’s SDP was signaled by them losing to the Monster Raving Loony Party, UKIP beating Gordon would confirm his demise."
The scenario goes like this:
It's the morning after the polls of Thursday 4th June 2009 Labour’s local elections percentage poll drops below the previous low-point.
The Liberal Democrats or United Kingdom Independence Party beat Labour on the percentage share of the vote in the European Parliamentary Elections.
The Sunday press take a beligerant view of Brown with Labour MPs clamoring openly for him to stand down.
If Sarah Brown can’t or won’t save him from humiliating himself that weekend, he will on the Monday 8th June 8 2009 have to face the Parliamentary Labour Party without spin doctor McBride and unable any longer to put the press frighteners on critics as much as in the past.
Then a recent former cabinet member making will make a 'Geoffrey Howe' speech. Probably not Messrs. Clarke or Byers, it will have to be someone who has not previously ventured abouve the parapet, someone who has served in Brown’s cabinet, someone like Peter Hain or Ruth Kelly. 'For the good of the party and the good of the nation' he will be implored to go. If the mood of the room goes against him, he will fall shortly after, much as the Speaker went.
Guido’s source cautions that we have been here before and Brown has a knack of hanging on by his fingernails. Guido however does report that Campaign Teams are however being assembled in readiness with the weekend of 12th/13th June 2009 pencilled in for them to break cover.
Miliband's Special Advisor Sarah Schaefer has sounded out a team ready to go within weeks and Alan Johnson’s unsuccessful deputy leadership campaign team is also clearing the decks.
Cllr. Jeff Summers, who represents the Waddingham and Spital Ward, has moved up, from his previous role as Deputy Leader, to become the Leader of the Conservative Group on the Council. Meanwhile, elected as his Deputy, is Cllr. Mrs. Anne Welburn, who represents the Cherry Willingham Ward.
