Harman quashes leadership speculation
By politics.co.uk staff
Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman has quashed speculation about a possible leadership bid, telling Newsnight there is “not one iota of truth” in the claims.
“I’m proud to be Gordon’s loyal deputy and that’s exactly what I am,” she added.
The prime minister did his bit to pour cold water on the speculation during his monthly press conference last Wednesday, describing it as “gossip”.
Last night, communities secretary Hazel Blears called on Cabinet members to close ranks, warning that further speculation played into Tory hands.
Her speech appeared to admit there was some level of position going on in the heart of government.
“My message to my colleagues is simple: get a grip.,” she told constituents last night.
“Our first loyalty is to the British people. If they think we are more interested in our own jobs than theirs, they will not forgive us.
“If the mindset is all about what happens after some future election defeat, then the game’s up.”
She added: “All this political positioning just helps the Tories.”
But enduring concern over Labour opinion poll results continue to infect the party, and analysts are unsure how long Mr Brown’s position will remain stable if the situation does not improve soon.
“I’m determined to support Gordon as the prime minister of this country, as he takes the country through what are very difficult economic times,” Ms Harman said.
“And people in my constituency and people in the Labour party would expect me to do that, and that is exactly what I’m doing, and nothing else.”
Rumours around Westminster about Mr Brown undertaking a role as head of a new global economic supervision body were also stamped on by the prime minister this week.
Some bloggers had said the plan – which has support from Angela Merkel, German chancellor – was circulated by Ms Harman as a preliminary salvo, although Downing Street has strongly denied this.
Attention focused on the deputy leader when she came out strongly against City bonuses at a recent Cabinet meeting, even going so far as to say the state should claw back bonuses which had already been given.
