Lots of work for Kremlinologists
- 15 Sep 08, 09:37 AM
David Miliband condemned "Kremlinology gone crazy" yesterday as he argued against a leadership election and declared his support for Gordon Brown. Sorry to disappoint you, David, but there is still plenty of work for we Kremlinologists to do pointing out what the cabinet are, and are not, saying. (If you find textual analysis wearisome, I suggest you skip to my last sentence.)
The foreign secretary was much clearer than he was in July but did add a test that the PM had to pass - "the test of our conference is about how we respond to very different circumstances, and that is what we have got to develop, a political agenda that is adequate to the changed circumstances that we face."
The business secretary, John Hutton was more ambiguous. On the one hand he did say that we've "got the right leader" and "I am supporting the prime minister, we should all be supporting the prime minister today and in the weeks ahead because it is a hugely difficult job that he's got to do". However, he added riders pointing out that "in the government, your job is to support your leader and to support the government, and that is what I am doing" whereas "if you're not in the government, then you can make a different set of choices" before adding "I think you've got to be absolutely clear on these occasions that it is right and proper for there to be debate about the direction of the party".
The chief whip, Geoff Hoon, made clear his view that Gordon Brown would still be prime minister by Christmas and his belief that a public worrying about paying their bills and their mortgages did not want the distraction of a leadership contest. However, careful lawyer that he is, Mr Hoon chose his words with precision when asked about a leadership election - "I don't think at this stage that it's appropriate".
None of this textual analysis would be worthwhile if any member of the cabinet had uttered words along the lines "Gordon Brown is the right man to lead Labour and the country now because...". None of them came anywhere close.
