Brown in deep trouble

[Michael]

This thread was originally posted on August, 9th 2008

I've just been reading this week's Economist and they are very glum about Brown's chances of surviving Labour's annual conference in September. (the article might be available at the www.economist.com)

Now I can't say I'm surprised as I predicted Brown's likely failure, but the size and scale of the revolt brewing in the Labour ranks before Brown's first election is remarkable and surprising. Normally a leader has to at least win or lose an election before fearing the long knives of revolt.

Anyway, anyone think that Brown might get seriously dumped in September?

[Michael]

Interestingly enough, Brown has looked fairly good lately - fairly calm and unflappable in a crisis, and engineering a rather good finanical 'rescue' package, much superior to any other plan out there.

Though, it must be stated that the UK has almost as much of a home-grown problem as the USA has. Brown has been in charge of British financial regulation for the last dozen years, so he's in this issue up to his eyeballs.

I don't know if this issue is going to play well for Brown in the long run or if it will rescue his dismal poll numbers. The Conservative party had a 15% polling lead before the crisis hit and Brown must eventually call an election since he's still running on Blair's 3rd victory mandate.