Sunday 21 February 2010

Bullying Brown


Only when Brown became PM did the stories emerge of his temper, his rages, and his penchant for throwing objects around. Labour MPs who supported his coronation and derided those who opposed him have a lot to answer for. They knew. They suppressed the knowledge until it was too late. They colluded with madness.

They also sent a message to every tin pot office tyrant and chief exec that swearing and shouting at junior staff is acceptable. For that alone they should hang their heads in shame.

They were aware of the depth and bitterness of the feud between number 10 and number 11 Downing Street. They must have known that it can only have done harm to the country. Still they did nothing. There have been several failed coups – a clear indication of just how much dissatisfaction there is at the heart of government. And now they wait as each week brings the day of reckoning closer. They talk up their chances when in their hearts they know they are doomed.

Senior Civil Servants are queuing up to put the boot into a chaotic and incoherent form of government.  Public appearances at the Chilcot Inquiry supplemented by off-the-record briefings and leaks. The timing feels orchestrated so no doubt there are going to be further revelations. This will continue up until the election.

The Labour Party went through colossal soul-searching in the aftermath of their ’79 defeat. That will be as nothing compared to what is likely to come next.

Many Labour MPs will rue the day they sat on their hands. 

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