But then nobody ever entirely believes a denial.

[mrph]

"No 10 denies reports that Gordon Brown has asked Tony Blair to step aside. More soon..."

Well now. Could be shaping up into an awfully interesting day in politics. I'm quite prepared to believe that no, Brown didn't.

But the fact that it's viewed as a possibility warranting (a seemingly unprompted) denial makes Blair look a little shakier. And then some.

Comments

[sarcaustik.livejournal.com]

The words 'smoke' and 'fire' spring immediately to mind...

[mrph.livejournal.com]

It did occur to me that Blair couldn't easily survive the current Iraq-frenzy if it leads to war without UN backing. Especially not if he's seen to be putting foreign policy ahead of home affairs.

But Labour could. Especially as it's Blair, personally, who's seen as GWB's poodle. A new leader would be able to say "well, things have changed..." and would have a bit more room to manouver.

[sarcaustik.livejournal.com]

And it's certainly no secret that Brown had enough of being the bridesmaid ages ago...

I don't know that he'd be able to succesfully pull off a leadership challenge, but you're absolutely right, Blair is the focus rather than the party itself. Its not as if there is a credible alternative, after all.

[ghoti.livejournal.com]

It certainly sounds interesting. As does the whole US peace movement, as reported on, um, PM. Right now, on the spot.

[wechsler.livejournal.com]

"Have you stopped beating your wife?"

Cheap media tricks. As far as they're concerned everyone's guilty unlesstil proven innocent, at which point they generally forget they said anything.

[mrph.livejournal.com]

Oh, I agree. But that's why the fact that they issued a public denial without (afaik) being asked looked interesting, though....

[lougarry.livejournal.com]

Now I heard this a couple times yesterday, but it wasn't Brown. I can't remember who it was, but it is certainly intriguing...and maybe it means that some people have their heads screwed on right.
As it stands, I think there are people concerned (and not normal people like you an me etc) that this is going to blow into a ful world war - what with Tony stating that after Iraq has been 'dealt' with, they'll be sorting out North Korea...like they're just going to sit there and take that
I hope some one does challenge Tony, because no one can bodge it any worse than it already is.
Remember the paraoia I was talking about not so long ago...
The winter of Discontent rolls on :D