Speculation grows over Gordon Brown's future
- 00:02:20
- ITN
Speculation grows over Gordon Brown's future
Gordon Brown is looking to reassert his authority at the head of the Labour Party after a damaging week in Westminster. The Prime Minister is holding what could be a tense Cabinet meeting before attempting to return the agenda to policy with a speech on education. His position has been hit by a series of recent rows, including the "smeargate" controversy that claimed the scalp of his aide Damian McBride and Commons setbacks over MPs' expenses and residence rules for Gurkhas. And another row is brewing over the part-privatisation of the Royal Mail. Ministers currently face having to rely on the Tories to push through the plans, which are deeply unpopular among the Labour rank-and-file. But the problems broke into the highest level of government at the weekend, when Communities Secretary Hazel Blears suggested there had been "lamentable" communication with voters. She also took a swipe at the PM's much-derided YouTube appearance, saying: "YouTube if you want to. But it is no substitute for knocking on doors." Health Secretary Alan Johnson did not improve the situation the same day when he indicated there were circumstances where he might seek the leadership. A terrible week was capped on Monday, when Mr Brown's deputy Harriet Harman was forced on to the airwaves to deny reports that she was plotting to succeed him. Ms Harman insisted she did not ever want the top job, and called for the party to show unity and focus on policy rather than infighting.
ITN | May 5, 2009
