Hutton calls for Labour leadership challenge
John Hutton has called for a challenge to Gordon Brown’s leadership of the Labour party.
The work and pensions secretary told the Times that the Labour party “don’t do coronations” and the leadership of the party following Tony Blair’s resignation should be decided by a proper election.
“I think there is an agreement that having a leadership election…could be a good thing for the Labour party,” he said.
“I think that is something Gordon himself has acknowledged would be good for the Labour party.
“We don’t do coronations in the Labour party. We have elections to choose our leader.
“And that is how, I think, we should choose our next leader. There should be a proper election.”
His comments follow those of health secretary Patricia Hewitt last week who said the public should vote for Blair’s successor.
Mr Hutton refused to acknowledge whether he will be mounting his own challenge for the Labour leadership.
Gordon Brown has been backed by many Cabinet ministers as Mr Blair’s successor when the prime minister resigns within the next year.
The reports now suggest that Mr Hutton, known as one of Mr Blair’s closest allies, may champion the effort to ensure that the next leader is decided by vote.
