We are in the early stages of a constitutional crisis

Is this the most damaging week of a Labour government ever? These crises appear to generate their own heat and light in publicity, a bright forge obscuring the actual machinations of the players. Tonight, after the energy level has risen ever higher in the day prior to the elections, we have seen a new series of resignations designed to damage the standing and authority of one Gordon Brown. They have done so. Yet, it is very difficult to write this man off: protected as he is by the rules of the Labour party governing leader elections and the strong authority of his office.

Like a limpet, it will be difficult to prise his fingers from power. Yet, Gordon Brown's woes obscure the wider flaws of the Labour party and hide the potential possibility of a constitutional crisis. Part of the unpopularity of the Prime Minister does not just reside in his political decrepitude, but rests on his inauguration. It is the role of party that the public finds insufferable. By circulating a letter that demands the resignation of Brown, the Parliamentary Labour Party are demonstrating their usurpation of the public will. Tired of this government and parliament of immoral mediocrities, all polls show the public wants a clean break. The appointment of a new leader will confirm that Labour prizes party and faction above the right of the public to have a say over who rules them.

There is also the scenario where Brown falls on his sword, but why should Labour remain in power. It is not their constitutional right to hold power in this situation, and the Head of State would be within her rights to call another leader with a view to hastening dissolution. Labour should be taught a lesson that a majority is there to be nurtured and the leader is not necessarily the best candidate for Prime Minister. If Brown falls and there is no replacement in the wings, then Parliament should be dissolved. The constitutional crisis already exists as a dysfunctional party machine could deny Britain the leadership required during this difficult time and precipitating the market crisis that all politicians wished to avoid.