Tony Lloyd re-elected as Labour PLP chairman

Last night Tony Lloyd was re-elected unopposed as the chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party. This seemingly small piece of news has bigger implications than what first appears.

 

There are precious few moments when the Labour Party can do the most sensible thing and get rid of a Mr. G Brown of 10 Downing Street. One moment was last night. Barry Sheerman had said that he may stand as chairman of the PLP as a "Get Brown Out" candidate. If he had succeeded it would have shown that the Labour Party did indeed want him to go. Without the vote, that's another chance gone.

 

Maybe the poll over the weekend showing the Tory lead down to 6% had an impact. But as they were voting another poll put the Tories' lead at 17%, and Labour at a low of 22%. It now looks likely that the previous poll was rogue and normal service will be resumed.

 

There are now two more set pieces which could trigger the downfall. The PBR and Budget. So far each PBR and Budget of Mr. Brown's reign has immediately lead to a worsened poll position.

 

It is beginning to look like Labour will stick with Brown and face a severe drubbing. Of which we can all be truly grateful.

 

Squiffy.