Gordon Brown's anger at Lord Mandelson over TV debate plan

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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Gordon Brown is furious with Lord Mandelson for revealing details that the Prime Minister planned to agree to a television debate with David Cameron.

The Daily Telegraph has established that Mr Brown was planning to use his keynote conference speech in September to reveal his desire for live television debates to take place between the party leaders during next years general election campaign. If they take place it would be the first time in British political history.

But in an interview this week Lord Mandelson let slip the plan. Downing Street attempted to stifle the story by claiming Mr Brown's view had not changed since he told Mr Cameron at Prime Ministers Questions that he was not in favour.

However, the Telegraph has been told that Mr Brown had intended to make the surprise announcement in his conference speech in Brighton.

The thinking behind that plan was to try and frame the subjects that the party leaders would debate. Mr Brown would want to ensure that at least two, of a possible series of three, debates were on foreign affairs and public services.

Lord Mandelson, who is in charge of Government business while Mr Brown is on holiday, is said to be furious that he let slip the comment that Mr Brown would be comfortable with a television debate.

One Downing Street source said: "It was to be a central part of Gordons conference speech. He would say to Cameron if you want a debate, we'll have one. It would be throwing down the gauntlet."

Mr Cameron would relish the chance for live national debates with Mr Brown. Opposition leaders have in recent times always demanded a live showdown with the Prime Minister but have been rebuffed.

Few would think Mr Brown would put himself in such a position where Mr Cameron's greater media skill could be exploited.

By making the direct challenge to Mr Cameron, Mr Brown would be ditching a previous strategy he employed in keynote speeches at party conference where he simply refused to utter the Tory leader's name.

Lord Mandelson recently incensed Alistair Darling by saying on a radio interview that a spending review had been ruled out until after the general election.

He rapidly had to apologise to the Chancellor and Mr Darling made it clear there is likely to be a limited spending statement at some stage before the country goes to the polls.

After Lord Mandelson's comments Mr Cameron wrote to Mr Brown to challenge him to a debate.

He said: "[A debate] would help to energise our democratic process, engage the electorate and restore trust in politics.

"Your previous objection was that a televised debate was unnecessary as the issues were aired each week in parliament. But Prime Minister's Questions simply cannot compete with the accessibility of a primetime studio debate.

"I want the chance to set out the choice at the next election to many more people than those who watch on a Wednesday lunchtime."

[andy2007]

Is anyone surprised that mandy pulled a stunt like that, for his own benefit?
I'm not!

[norbert]

Is anyone surprised that mandy pulled a stunt like that, for his own benefit?
I'm not!

Will McClown be going on You Tube again ? people said he was creepy , a cross between a paedophile and a undertaker . God help us - the biggest liability since Michael Foot .

Funny how things always stink of Mandy

[DGP1]

Is anyone surprised that mandy pulled a stunt like that, for his own benefit?
I'm not!

Will McClown be going on You Tube again ? people said he was creepy , a cross between a paedophile and a undertaker . God help us - the biggest liability since Michael Foot .

Funny how things always stink of Mandy

I thought he looked like the Joker

[k979aaa]

What is GORDON so worried about with :mfo they would be the two biggest MASTURBATE-UR'S of the new labour party!.