Blair on the ropes

The more insider-gossip I read of John Prescott’s affair(s), the more I feel there is a political motivation for the timing of the revelations. Yes, yes, I know that the Daily Mirror broke the news, and for all intensive purposes the paper is Labour through-and-through, but whatever sources prompted the running of the story, their timing was not a coincidence. Whatever ideological motivations the Mirror may have for protecting the government, the chances of missing out on a titillating exclusive, weigh heavier on the ambitious newspaper editor.

The troubles in the Health Service, the Home Office, and recent pressures on Ruth Kelly, and Tessa Jowell, have compounded this week, with the first Tory demands for resignations. Has the Prescott story been slipped out, to further undermine Labour’s chances, in next Thursday’s local elections?

Probably.

Rumours are rife that the bigwigs at Labour HQ are hysterical, and that they predict major loses in traditional Labour wards, chiefly in London, wherever the Lib Dem’s are organised. And news that two major urban Labour leaders have written to the PM to demand he steps down, will certainly add pressure. Add into this combustible mix, the fractious musings of progressive thinktanks, such as Compass, and you have Red Indians in every direction.

If Thursday’s elections are particularly disastrous for the party, it’s hard to imagine Blair surviving untill the Spring Bank Holiday at the end of May.

One of the more interesting absences of the past few weeks has been that of the Chancellor. Blairites are more than aware of Brown’s penchant for disappearing when things get tough, not wanting to be exposed to the indelible taint of the Court of Tony. Commentators would be wise to draw conclusions from Brown’s utter lack of solidarity with his cabinet colleagues, and his inability to share criticism. Abdication is not exactly a leadership quality now is it?

Where was the perspiring Chancellor, when Blair needed him? Having an important conference call with pregnant Hollywood sexpot, UN goodwill ambassador, and sometime Tomb Raider, Angelina Jolie. Comparisons with Mr. Blair’s predicament, could hardly be more stark

Next weeks local elections look set to be far more inflammatory, than last year’s general election, so expect some blood on the carpet in its wake.