Imagine if today's Ed Balls briefing had been on camera (updated)
First Ed Balls called for an end to "personal attacks or settling old scores". Then the Prime Minister's ally ripped into the character of Frank Field, suggesting he is a dishonourable loner unwilling to strike a deal over the 10p fiasco.
There are plenty of people in the Labour party - even those in the awkward squad - willing to criticise Field whose consistency in his line of argument has something to be desired. So, given the open goal, is it really wise to have one of the Prime Minister's closest chums - in an impromptu off-camera lobby briefing - leading the attack?
To the world outside Westminster, this could well be seen as ugly, bullying behaviour. Lucky the world outside Westminster wont see it because there were no TV cameras present.
But while the Field assault is making the headlines, lasting damage could result from his criticism on the Pre-budget report, and, by proxy, the Chancellor.
Alistair Darling, he suggested, failed to focus on family finances and if the credit crunch's impact had been anticipated "different decisions would have been taken". This, Team Brown believes, is why people are unhappy.
But while sorry is the easiest word at the moment, the apology is still limited in scope from those around Brown. There is still no explicit admission that the original decision to the scrap 10p rate itself should never have happened. They are only apologising for the "handling" of the issue.
Which, they have clearly decided, Alistair can shoulder some of the blame for. Now that really does seem toxic.
(Friends of Alistair Darling say: "Alistair spent yesterday, as he does everyday, dealing with big issues in the Treasury." Ouch)
I am strugging to think of a kind word to say about Ed Balls. Sorry ,.. its an unequal struggle, can't think of a single thing.
Posted by: Bernard from Horsham | 12 May 2008 19:38:58
Perhaps this is the Labor [sic] party?
Posted by: Mad Max | 12 May 2008 20:01:21
Balls or Field ?
Sorry Ed - no competition !
Posted by: dave | 12 May 2008 20:39:42
I am struggling to think of a kind word to say about... Ed Balls.... or Gordon Brown.... or Alistair Darling....or ... Frank Field.... or.... in fact anyone in the Houses of Parliament for that matter. They should all resign immediately. They are a bunch of egocentric self-obsessed individuals. Our democratic representatives should all work in normal jobs and meet occasionally to make strategic decsions and leave the rest to the civil service/local government administrators.
Posted by: Perry Smithwick | 12 May 2008 23:49:22
"leave the rest to the civil service/local government administrators."
Written by someone who has never watched "Yes Minister" God preserve us ! From them as well as Labour.
Alan Douglas
Posted by: 4462782452574243 | 13 May 2008 07:02:27
Ed Balls is that guid old Scots word - Gobshite!
Posted by: Gers | 13 May 2008 18:31:02
My God!
That photograph is chillingly like one of Adolf Hitler taken at one of the Nuremberg Rallies.
Same pose, but left profile.............spooky! :Oo
See for your selves....
http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Arts/Arts_/Pictures/2007/08/08/hitler460.jpg
Posted by: Silent Hunter | 13 May 2008 20:18:02