David Cameron has changed the subject of today's commons debate from the civil service, to one on party funding. The motion for the debate states: "This House notes with concern the corrosion of public trust in democracy following the recent succession of scandals over the funding of the governing political party." Cameron walked out on the last round of party funding talks when Labour refused to include the Unions in a proposal to cap donations to £50,000. Now for some reason (probably something to do with the police wanting to talk to several senior Labour party members) Gordon Brown wants to come back to the negotiation table, apparently willing to consider including the unions on any donation cap.
That Cameron has forced today's debate is not surprising following the weekend's revelations. Peter Hain has suddenly remembered even more deputy party leadership election money that he failed to declare, and Newcastle property lawyer George Crawford has called in the police to investigate the theft of his identity. In 2004 someone made a donation of £36,000 to the Labour Party in Mr Crawford's name, a donation which he has no knowledge of.
Gordon Brown is going to do some very fancy footwork during the funding debate. On one hand he stands to further alienate the general public if he does not agree to union donation capping, and on the other hand he faces a possible civil war within the party if he does. There have also been accusations that the only reason Wendy Alexander has not resigned is because she is being used as a human shield. Many believe that if Wendy was to resign, Harriet Harman would have to follow.
The Cabinet is meeting as I type this, and I've got the feeling that it will not be a pleasant chat over a cup of tea. Will someone be offered to the political altar in an attempt to assuage the demand for blood? Whatever happens it's going to be one of the most interesting days in domestic politics for quite some time. Will this be one of those days that people will ask of in the future: "what were you doing when....."
6 comments:
Yup, today is going to be fun, it should be a barnburner. Which target do you shoot at, its like that fairground game, shoot as many ducks as you can in 30 seconds. Except the ducks here are 30 ft tall and as wide as the Thames Barrier. Brown is screwed, apparently the motions are already in motion to remove him. So which Brave stalking horse will it be?
Sunonmars,
I can't wait for the debate to start, it's going to be a beauty. I wonder what news will be announced to the press just before the debate to try to deflect attention.
I hope Sky is gonna show it as I'm abroad at the moment, I bet they announce the MOD report before it starts so as that bit of bad news trumps the donor shit. If Sky dont show, I'm relying on you guys keeping me up to date. However, If I was cameron, I'd go for the whole hog, he'll never get a better shot to take down this dogs dinner of a govt, take them on like a rabid dog and rip them to shreds, its the only thing the British public knows these days, they'd have more respect for Cameron if he took Brown to pieces.
Sunonmars,
I agree but get ready for all the "Camerons a bullying toff" rubbish to come out.
Sunonmars,
If you have a decent connection, you can watch the parliament channel online by clicking HERE
Well the simple answer to that for Cameron is, "unfortunately, I had to drag my self down to their level of politics, to make my point, it was ok for Labour to do it to Major but not for us to point out Browns, faults. Thats hypocrisy". they never bitched about it when Blair tore Major to shreds. Cameron needs to show he can get into the fightpit and fight dirty. Brown would not get up, it would be a knockout in 5
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