Critical Moment in British Politics

Written by Danny Rosenbaum
Published April 12, 2005

In times to come political historians may well reflect that yesterday, 12 April 2005, was a watershed moment in British politics.

Early on in the day Robin Cook in the Standard reflected that if Labour were returned then Tony Blair's departure might be 'sooner rather than later'.

Robin Cook wrote, "the past week has seen a decisive shift in the balance of power between them [Blair and Brown]."

Indeed, in Labour's election campaign thus far Gordon Brown has been prominent and since the election's announcement it has been hard to prise Blair and Brown apart.

Some Labour candidates including standing MPs appeared to be campaigning on the basis that a vote for Labour was a vote for Gordon Brown as Prime Minister.

Tony Blair, who had previously been such a campaign asset to New Labour, was now, it appears, more of a liability in the eyes of many Labour supporters.

What may be deemed just as significant on reflection, but has so far gained little or no attention, is that this week Time Magazine published a special issue featuring "The Time 100: The lives and ideas of the world's most influential people."

Gordon Brown was in the 100, listed under 'leaders and revolutionaries' but Time did not include Tony Blair. The piece on Brown was written by Bob Geldof, who wrote of "He [Gordon Brown] and Prime Minister Tony Blair" and "Brown and Blair."

It could be that we are seeing the last days of Blair and Brown.

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Critical Moment in British Politics
Published: April 12, 2005
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Section: Politics
Filed Under: Politics: International
Writer: Danny Rosenbaum
Danny Rosenbaum's BC Writer page
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#1 — April 12, 2005 @ 23:33PM — RJ [URL]

How do Brown and Blair differ on policy? Would Brown pull out all British troops from Iraq? Isn't Brown more of an "old Labour" type?

#2 — April 13, 2005 @ 00:33AM — Temple Stark [URL]

Interesting that I'd read they were doing the PR thing and showing a sign of unity for the party. Wasn't there a post about that yesterday here? Can you guys not link your posts more? /bitchiness

#3 — April 13, 2005 @ 16:25PM — Nigel Pond

B & B will present a united front during the campaign -- any split or perceived split would be fodder for the Tories and Liberals.

#4 — April 14, 2005 @ 10:36AM — jadester [URL]

yeah, at the event where labour "unveiled" their manifesto for the election, mr blair + brown presented a "united" front.
Of course, Private Eye pointed out the lack of pictures of Blair compared to several of Brown on the party's website a couple of weeks ago. Not to mention, there's that rumoured deal they made back when they beat the tories out of office. Blair was, supposedly, meant to hand over the reigns to Brown after only about 4 years, instead of hanging on in there for as long as he has. It has also been suggested the souring of this deal caused...some friction between blair and brown.
As far as I'm aware, Brown does not differ hugely from Blair, although he comes across as a little less egotistical, a little more level-headed, and a little more "old" labour than "new" labour.

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