Will the Chancellor have Balls?

A better than average attempt by the Economist today to convince us all that Ed Balls should be Chancellor under Gordon’s regime. It seems to suggest that because Ed’s had so much influence over economic policy in the UK, and will continue to do so under Gordon, you might as well make him Chancellor…it’s easier that way.

I wouldn’t put my money on Ed getting the Chancellorship- Jack’s got to be rewarded for the leadership campaign he’s running. Also Ed’s biggest problem, as the Economist eloquently points out, is

“for someone of such high intelligence, he can sound oddly inarticulate, like a badly programmed speak-your-weight machine”.

Ed is much better behind the scenes working the levers.

Permanent link to this post

Miliband to stay?

Today there is more coverage of the one thing we can be pretty sure Gordon Brown will introduce when he is eventually crowned king: the abolition of the DTI.  The latest plans include moving energy over to Defra to create a Super Green Ministry.

In itself this move is not interesting nor surprising.  What is interesting is the suggestion that Mili-Me will be running it.  No promotion for Miliband under Gordon then!

Permanent link to this post

Would you work for Gordon?

Do you like to be at your desk at 7am?  Are you willing to take phone calls any time, day or night, to discuss current affairs?  Do you mind working weekends, holidays and Christmas day?

If the answer is yes then there may still be room for you in Brown’s kitchen cabinet.  But hurry, although no official announcement has been made, positions are filling quickly.  Although this could be probably apocryphal.

Previous applicants and position holders should not reapply.

Permanent link to this post

Kinnock: from unelectable to unelected

It looks as if Neil Kinnock will continue his political career as an unelected drain servant of the British people by becoming Leader of the House of Lords under a Brown Government.

Proving for once and for all in 1992 that he could never be elected, here is another post in which there is no possibility of him doing so.

This is a move that will please traditional labour supporters but will Kinnock have the guts to drive through the much needed reform of the House of Lords, assuming, of course, Brown doesn’t quietly drop it.

Hat tip: Iain Dale 

Permanent link to this post

Chancellor Straw?

According to the Telegraph, Jack Straw is to become Gordon’s first Chancellor, with Reid staying at the Home Office. This is not a new prediction, for example, the FT covered this (in more detail) last month. But the big question is who is the favourite to become Foreign Secretary? Miliband perhaps?

Permanent link to this post

Is it Mili-Me that has 2020 Vision?

Writing in the FT, James Blitz argues that the 2020 vision website launch yesterday was “a last prod to see if Mr Miliband would stand”. He argues, quite convincingly, that Miliband is the only one who could beat Brown.

Leaving aside the fact that there is no way Mili-Me will risk his political career on this one, yesterday’s announcement sounds more like a, not so subtle, start to Alan Milburn’s campaign for the leadership than a cry for Miliband to stand. Remember Milburn has always been quite keen on a fight with Brown and has never ruled himself out.

Permanent link to this post

Big Bumper Guide to Brown launched

According to the Big Bumper Guide to Gordon Brown published by Bell Pottinger Public Affairs (RRP £5,000) Nick Brown is expected to become Chief Whip in a Gordon Brown government. A good position for a “political fixer” who doesn’t shine in the front lines. This will at least keep him away from the cream cakes.

Permanent link to this post