Summary
The untried, the overtried and the utterly unconvincing
CABINET reshuffles are meant to enhance the Prime Minister's authority, strengthen the ministerial team and rally support for the government. Gordon Brown's chaotic attempt yesterday failed in all three areas. Instead, it presented the spectacle of a government in disarray and the authority of a prime minister draining with every hour. Indeed, for all the bluster of Gordon Brown's press conference performance yesterday, it is hard to dignify the proceedings with the title of reshuffle. Barely had one hole been filled in this rancid, pulsating gorgonzola than another sprang up. It spoke volumes that, in the middle of Mr Brown's Press conference to protest his determination to stay on, the news broke that Caroline Flint, the scheming Europe minister who had spoken up for him minutes after the resignation of James Purnell the previous night, had also resigned. Later came the most stinging resignation letter in recent political history, accusing the Prime Minister of using women in his Cabinet as mere window dressing.See the full content of this document
Extract
Leader
Far from greater cohesion and purpose in government, there is instead greater disarray. On top of the pre "reshuffle" departures of Jacqui Smith (Home Secretary) and Hazel Blears (Communities), on Thursday evening James Purnell, the Work and Pensions Secretary,...
See the full content of this document
Sponsored links
