Posted on 05/02/2009 6:11:18 PM PDT by GOPGuide
HEALTH Secretary Alan Johnson is being lined up to act as emergency Prime Minister amid growing concerns among Labour MPs about Gordon Brown’s state of mind.
The 58-year-old could take over as an interim measure if Mr Brown quits for the sake of his own health after an expected meltdown at next month’s local and European polls.
A former postman with a common touch, he is seen as the candidate the Tories fear the most.
Senior Labour sources said last night he would be the “magic wand” solution to avert a landslide defeat at the next General Election.
An increasing number of Labour members believe the series of weekly calamities besetting the Government is taking its toll on Mr Brown.
His now notorious YouTube video in which he struggled to form a genuine smile as he announced reforms of MPs’ expenses last month has underlined in many minds that he has difficulties interacting in social situations.
Those worried include his own ministers, who now see him as the major cause of their party’s misfortunes.
Even Mr Brown himself, in his more reflective moments, must have considered resigning, they believe.
One minister said: “The guy can’t be well. People are very worried about him and, to be honest, he’s got to be worried about his health and welfare himself. He must be considering going.”
It is not the first time such questions have surfaced. Famously in 1998, either Tony Blair or one of his aides accused him of being “psychologically flawed” and his temper when under pressure is notorious.
Earlier this year, a Downing Street policeman revealed that a cleaner at Number 10 had been shocked to find the Prime Minister’s private office “completely trashed” after a late-night tantrum.
Party sources are convinced the mood among MPs has turned irretrievably against him and they are examining how he could be replaced.
Rather than forcing him out by a direct challenge, a scenario likely to play into the hands of the Left, the cleanest solution would be for Mr Brown to resign, perhaps after brave persuasion from his wife Sarah or old foe Lord Mandelson.
The Cabinet and the party’s National Executive Committee could then appoint an interim leader until Labour’s annual autumn conference when a more formal voting process would begin.
It is unlikely that party members would then want to replace Mr Johnson, who, after previously feeling he was not leadership material, is now believed to be ready for the challenge.
A senior Labour MP, who has been loyal to both Mr Blair and Mr Brown, said: “We need to find an easy way to make him go away.
“The deputy leadership contest, when Jon Cruddas came so close to winning and Harriet Harman actually won, shows the way the party at large would go if given that vote. We can’t afford a lurch to the Left – that would make things worse.
“Most people think we need a magic-wand solution to get an Alan Johnson leadership. He would be reassuring. He’s the one the Tories fear. He talks normally, he’s a Mr Average and he has a sense of humour.
“He would be able to connect with voters in a way Gordon can’t. He’d also make Cameron look and sound posh.”
The speculation came as several disgruntled senior MPs were reportedly considering making SDP-style defections to the Liberal Democrats after the General Election.
The struggling Prime Minister faces a new rebellion this week. Labour and Tory peers are uniting in the Lords to water down or even throw out draconian new legislation which would ban the display of cigarettes in shops.
...awww, not to worry, he's just been watching too many American Classic movies
theres nothing wrong with Gordon Brown. He just acting out is honest leftist self, who has contempt for people
Perhaps Brown should consider switching parties.
are the Tories about to take over in Britain?! Oh my...shades of 1979 and 1980? God please let it be so..
Not until the general election next year, unfortunately...
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