The fallout from the cancelled election continues to dominate Westminster, with David Cameron's character assassination of Gordon Brown at Prime Minister's Questions drawing sharp reactions. Opinion polls suggest a disconnect between public perception and the political elite's disbelief at the prime minister's self-inflicted wounds. The Tories aim to convince voters that Brown has lost both political and moral authority.
Gordon Brown must now flesh out his oft-repeated vision, as commentators from the Financial Times to The Guardian question his direction. The Tories face a dilemma: Labour will portray their spending commitments as a lurch to the right, while the Tory press demands red meat policies. This is a moment of maximum danger for Conservative modernisers.
The Liberal Democrats must decide on leader Ming Campbell's future, as the cancelled election denied him a chance to showcase his virtues. Meanwhile, Brown's mention of an e-petition against an early election, with only 26 signatures, has now drawn a flood of signatories, potentially giving Cameron ammunition for future PMQs.
Observers note that tax has re-emerged as an electoral issue, which could benefit the right. The episode has exposed deep divisions and a lack of confidence in the government, with many calling for referendums on the EU treaty, ID cards, and immigration policy.
