Gordon Brown's dilemma is now clear: his thirst for power through a secure succession is so great that he has become a louring presence over Westminster. Observers face an endless parade of Brownites shooting across the bows of the Prime Minister with strong hints that his time is up and he may wish to use the emergency exit. Yet, every Brownite that stands up and repeats the message contributes to the impression of a divided party, as they are rebutted by Blairites and accompanied by the jockeying for spoils amongst the older and younger generations. The latest intervention from Don Touhig, Brownite MP for Islwyn and sacked at the last reshuffle, reflects this well:
The Islywn MP also repeated Welsh first minister Rhodri Morgan's recent warning that the leadership wrangling will cost Labour in next year's devolved elections.
"It just adds to the impression we are a divided party and divided parties do not win elections," Touhig said.
"Next year we have assembly elections in Wales, local elections in England and parliamentary elections in Scotland and I am very concerned that we will be punished in those elections because of this uncertainty over the leadership."
Yet he was quick to warn John Reid off: "I don't think John would
stand and I don't know what degree of support he would enjoy in the
parliamentary party should he stand," Touhig told ePolitix. "I think John probably has enough on his plate at the Home Office at the moment, which is not in a good state."
UPDATE: Another day, another pol pops up warning and perpetuating division. Charles Clarke provides a knowing wink in the New Statesman.