Senior Labour MPs have warned that Prime Minister Gordon Brown faces an open party revolt if the party performs poorly in upcoming local elections, particularly the London mayoral race. According to sources, a coalition of heavyweight backbenchers is prepared to speak out publicly if Labour loses the mayoral election to the Conservatives, as many MPs now fear.
The prospect of a direct challenge to Brown's authority comes after a turbulent period for the government, marked by difficult headlines, uncertainty in Number 10, and cabinet disagreements. Some ministers have speculated privately that Brown might be persuaded to step aside to avoid a General Election defeat, with recent surveys suggesting Labour could lose power and over 100 seats.
One senior former minister described the situation as unsustainable, stating: 'The current situation cannot go on for another two years. Either he has to sort it out, or there has to be a change.' The MP added that Labour is beginning to show the ruthlessness that the Tories displayed when they ousted Margaret Thatcher.
Doubts about Brown's strategy are being voiced openly for the first time. Tony Lloyd, chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party, warned that the Prime Minister must reflect on the government's failure to communicate its message to the public. MPs are expected to monitor Labour's vote share in the local elections, with a drop below 26 per cent seen as a key indicator.
The decisive factor, however, is likely to be the London mayoral race, where Ken Livingstone faces a tight contest against Conservative candidate Boris Johnson. A Tory win would boost David Cameron, who has established a strong lead in national polls. Brown's supporters dismissed talk of a leadership challenge, arguing there is no convincing candidate to replace him.
Whitehall sources predict a blitz of government announcements in May, including Lords reform and a draft bill of rights, to regain control of the agenda. One senior figure commented: 'It's absolutely disastrous. Nobody can believe the rate at which problems are coming in and Gordon's inability to deal with them.'
