Is Jack Straw Four Votes from Becoming PM?
Sky’s Jon Craig, who didn’t join the Lobby to stand around in bars speculating idly, is playing What If…- Gordon loses Monday’s vote to double the 10p tax rate on low earners on Frank Field’s rebel amendment?
- What if Ken Livingstone loses to Boris Johnson in London on May 1?
- What if Labour rebels throw out 42-day detention for terrorists next month?
The first would be a personal defeat for Brown, he introduced the 10p rate, he is abolishing it. If Londoners voted for Boris it would put real fear into Southern Labour MPs. If the third vote is lost, and most Labour Party MPs and activists don’t have their heart in needless 42-day detention, it will surely be curtains for Gordon.
Who would the PLP then want to lead them in times of trouble? Not one of the young pretenders. Jack Straw would be their Michael Howard figure. Safely captaining the sinking ship, hopefully without the loss of too many lives / seats. The PLP would vote for Jack ahead of Cruddas…
