The day has proved to be a matter of default rather than design. Although this may have been a leak to set the narrative, it proved to be a leak too far. Alternative theories state that Jacqui Smith was set to publicise the news for maximum effect, aware that one leak would crack the dam and stimulate a flood. Now we know or suspect that the inner thoughts of half the Cabinet, their fears and ambitions are culled for print.
Again, Labour has been found wanting: either stating that they will not stand at the next election or being forced to stand down after the 'star chamber' judges their actions. With Brown, the miasma of quangos and purges will leave a rump after the electoral bloodletting takes its toll. The reaction of the party is unimpressive:
Labour sources said that many of the party’s MPs were in a state of panic. A private meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party was described by MPs as “emotional and jittery,” with several backbenchers openly accusing Mr Brown of lacking leadership and direction.
Some Labour MPs reported that a list could be circulated soon with names of those who want Mr Brown to stand aside for the good of the party.
The problem, though, is you never know whether Brown will survive. The cowardice of his cabinet colleagues and the supine apathy of any potential assassins on the backbenches leave us bored by this continual froth of crisis, when the Prime Minister manages to maintain his position.
Like the Flying Dutchman, the fate of the government remains mistbound: it could come tomorrow, it could last till the end of the term. If Brown does fall before May 2010, it will be a swift and merciless downfall..
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