Gordon Brown's authority crumbling over part-privatisation

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Gordon Brown's authority crumbling over part-privatisation of Royal Mail

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog ... royal-mail" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



Anyone seeking proof that Gordon Brown's authority is crumbling need look no further than the Labour party's splits over Royal Mail.

A leaked email has just pinged into my inbox showing exactly how serious things are getting.

Already, around 120 Labour MPs have signed a Commons motion opposing Peter Mandelson's plan for part-privatisation.

But it's worse than that.

The email was sent recently by Dave Anderson, ministerial aide to Foreign Office minister Bill Rammell, to a large number of fellow PPSs – otherwise known as parliamentary private secretaries.

These ministerial bag carriers are the lowest the form of government life, but they are still important. Collectively they serve as a weathervane of government unity.

Anderson writes to fellow aides in the email:

In line with meetings that we had with Alistair [Darling] on the 10p tax changes, I am hoping to get a meeting with Lord Mandelson and Pat MacFadden and worried PPSs. I hope that we can find a way forward that is acceptable to all parts of our party and in line with our manifesto commitment [which said Royal Mail would stay in public ownership]. If you are interested in attending such a meeting can you let me know as soon as possible?

When phoned, Anderson confirmed the email's authenticity. He said he wanted to find a "sensible way forward" and certainly did not think whipping up opposition to a core government policy was reason to quit.

Such defiance does not bode well for the Mandy/Brown/McFadden masterplan.

Unless of course they are prepared to rely on Tory votes to get the proposal through the Commons and put two fingers up to the rebels – which is not impossible.

[k979aaa]

Gordon Brown's authority crumbling over part-privatisation of Royal Mail

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog ... royal-mail" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



Anyone seeking proof that Gordon Brown's authority is crumbling need look no further than the Labour party's splits over Royal Mail.

A leaked email has just pinged into my inbox showing exactly how serious things are getting.

Already, around 120 Labour MPs have signed a Commons motion opposing Peter Mandelson's plan for part-privatisation.

But it's worse than that.

The email was sent recently by Dave Anderson, ministerial aide to Foreign Office minister Bill Rammell, to a large number of fellow PPSs – otherwise known as parliamentary private secretaries.

These ministerial bag carriers are the lowest the form of government life, but they are still important. Collectively they serve as a weathervane of government unity.

Anderson writes to fellow aides in the email:

In line with meetings that we had with Alistair [Darling] on the 10p tax changes, I am hoping to get a meeting with Lord Mandelson and Pat MacFadden and worried PPSs. I hope that we can find a way forward that is acceptable to all parts of our party and in line with our manifesto commitment [which said Royal Mail would stay in public ownership]. If you are interested in attending such a meeting can you let me know as soon as possible?

When phoned, Anderson confirmed the email's authenticity. He said he wanted to find a "sensible way forward" and certainly did not think whipping up opposition to a core government policy was reason to quit.

Such defiance does not bode well for the Mandy/Brown/McFadden masterplan.

Unless of course they are prepared to rely on Tory votes to get the proposal through the Commons and put two fingers up to the rebels – which is not impossible.

The thing is the Tory party would be in a quandary as too support the opposition prime minister or to lead him down the path and let him down with a massive defeat and undermine his leadership at the last possible moment!. Gordon Benett Brown THE NEW LABOUR CLOWN!.

[ar26]

Now if he goes ahead he is a fool. Last post should be sent to David Cameron. Lets face it whilst the tories may like to privatise RM they could as said say at the last minute that due to the crunchy credit the time is not right and leave big gordon looking a proper lemon and perhaps bringing about his resignation.

[Rennie]

This is camerons reply to me over edm428
Bit about not 'offering inconditional support' interesting

HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON SW1A OAA

Thursday, 12 February 2009



Thank you fir your recent correspondence concerning the future of the Royal Mail.

As you may know, the Conservative Party welcomed the publication of the Hooper review and we agree with its central theme that change within Royal Mail is vital. We also think that a change to the ownership structure of Royal Mail which would include part privatisation may have merits depending on the wider circumstances of the proposals.

I was very pleased to see that the CWU endorses the call for a new relationship with management and is prepared to negotiate an agreement that would support modernisation of the industry. We also recognise that whether or not a change in ownership structure takes place, vital issues such as equipment modernisation, falling post usage, maintenance of the universal service obligation, safeguarding of the postal network and the pensions deficit, will all need to be dealt with.

We are very concerned at the lack of progress on these issues during the current Government’s period in office and we share your concerns that the issue of privatisation should not be used as a format for overlooking the key underlying issues which Royal Mail needs to face up to in any event. To that extent, whilst we have no objection to privatisation conceptually, the Conservative Party will certainly not be offering the Government unconditional support for its proposals.

With regard to this specific EDM, let me explain why I will not be able to sign it. EDMs are a very useful way for a backbench MP to raise the pro file of a particular issue. However, there is a convention that the leaders of parliamentary parties should not sign them, unless they have been tabled on behalf of the party as a whole. So I am afraid I will not be able to sign this EDM.

I can confirm that my colleagues and I will be reviewing the overall package most carefully to ensure that we retain a strong and sustainable postal service.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write to me

David CameronRennie
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[k979aaa]

Well david cameron is on the record whether we disagree or not and thank's to "rennie" for his efforts in this matter but where is is gordon brown can we get him on the record or can he not see his position on this matter of great concern too us all take of the blinkers brown get on the record now!. Someone on here must have this useless lump as thier MP and we all neede some answers so do as "rennie" did and give us some insight to his postion and get him on the record!.

[Yahoorsur]

Well david cameron is on the record whether we disagree or not and thank's to "rennie" for his efforts in this matter but where is is gordon brown can we get him on the record or can he not see his position on this matter of great concern too us all take of the blinkers brown get on the record now!. Someone on here must have this useless lump as thier MP and we all neede some answers so do as "rennie" did and give us some insight to his postion and get him on the record!.

Well almost on the same line,next weekend will see a wee anti privatisation petition and stall in Cowdenbeath high street,just along fae Broons constituency office,think I may head over to take part,any offers of help most welcome ladies and gentlemen

As to his position it's himself and Mandy along with bag carrier McPudden who are driving this,so I know what his position is,but folk can e mail his agent Cllr Alex Rowley at Fife Council and let him know what our thoughts are on the sell out.I'm sure he will pass them on to the big haddy.

[k979aaa]

Well david cameron is on the record whether we disagree or not and thank's to "rennie" for his efforts in this matter but where is is gordon brown can we get him on the record or can he not see his position on this matter of great concern too us all take of the blinkers brown get on the record now!. Someone on here must have this useless lump as thier MP and we all neede some answers so do as "rennie" did and give us some insight to his postion and get him on the record!.

Well almost on the same line,next weekend will see a wee anti privatisation petition and stall in Cowdenbeath high street,just along fae Broons constituency office,think I may head over to take part,any offers of help most welcome ladies and gentlemen

As to his position it's himself and Mandy along with bag carrier McPudden who are driving this,so I know what his position is,but folk can e mail his agent Cllr Alex Rowley at Fife Council and let him know what our thoughts are on the sell out.I'm sure he will pass them on to the big haddy.

Do you think he will turn up or turn a blind eye to your anti privatisation stall or get on the record for i want him to defend his position for we will attack his position and his record as prime minister of this nation!.