Today, GORDON BROWN could face a tough ride from the Parliamentary Labour Party when they meet to discuss the issue of why Labour did so bad in the EURO and LOCAL elections, as well as talking about Brown's leadership. Could we expect a resignation or two this week? The way things are going in British politics at the moment, I wouldn't be surprised. It's all about guts now. Do they have it?
Let's take a look at some of the highlights of political resignations of note:
ROBIN COOK
Deceased and well respected parliamentarian Robin Cook resigned from Blair's government over his disastrous decision to invade Iraq. He slammed Blair's foreign policy as unethical. He kept his honour and was principled.
Sir Geoffrey Howe:
Howe was considered a loyal friend of Margaret Thatcher until he was unable to stomach her views on Europe anymore. He stood up in the House of Commons in 1990 to deliver his speech (a tradition extended to all resigning ministers) and went straight for Thatcher's jugular. The Iron Lady resigned 11 days later - with streaks of tears down her eyes.
His speech included the famous quote: "It is rather like sending your opening batsmen to the crease, only for them to find, as the first balls are being bowled, that their bats have been broken before the game by the team captain."
They don't do 'em how they used to, eh? Does the scenario sound familiar now?
Thatcher was, as they say, a wounded animal, who had been stabbed in the back by her own party. They had supported her in two successful elections. But they resented her ever increasing presidential style power. When Tony Blair swiftly came to power in 1997, he had the same iron grip, until, ofcourse, his beloved Labour Party thought they were in for losing the next election in the fourth term. How far from the truth they were? I bet they wish they had stuck with Blair into the fourth term? They might have had a different outcome.
Is Brown just a sitting duck waiting to sink? Atleast the Tories have the guts to kick their leader into touch.
Will he sink or swim this week?
Submitted by chris on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 11:49
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