F resh back from Holiday, Gordon Brown certainly hasn’t had the easiest couple of the weeks with the global economy crumbling and the credit crunch continuing to hit people’s pockets, he’s certainly not the flavour of the month. On top of this his party has questioned his leadership and his popularity has well and truly plunged among the electorate. At such a crucial time now is the perfect time for Brown to tackle his demons and state his intentions at last week’s crucial annual Labour conference.
Following on from a buoyant Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth all eyes were on Manchester as delegates debated Labour’s next move. A wide range of key issues were discussed at the conference but two topics stood out, the economy and more controversially questions over Brown’s leadership. In the bars and corridors the talk was of leadership, back bench rebels and leadership challenges. For now there is no real challenge to the leadership David Miliband chose instead to show a united front; he along with the rest of the cabinet sat together on stage while delegates publicly stated their support for the PM. Behind the scenes, however, there were just as many doubting his credentials.
Gordon Brown been under huge pressure recently in tackling the global issues which have affected our daily lives and once again he was expected to show strength and resilience against the critics by delivering an inspiring and determined speech. Normally not known for his sound bites, there were plenty of quotable moments throughout his personal, confident and strong speech. He authoritatively commanded the stage and managed to receive three standing ovations from the crowd. In the speech he got straight to the point and called for a “fair Britain for the new age”. Repeatedly he highlighted global problems that the world faces in a new ‘global age’.
Gordon Brown suggested that the Labour party was the only truly progressive government who could make the most of the global opportunities and face up to world issues and clearly stated that “this is no time for a novice” – a statement obviously directed at David Cameron – and also the Conservatives whom he criticised for their proposed swathe of tax cuts and reduced public spending for schools, children and public services. Brown commented that “this country needs a Labour government” and also said “I think this is the best country in the world, I believe in Britain”. Brown even defended his personality, stating, “I didn’t come into politics to be a celebrity or thinking I’d always be popular…Perhaps, that’s just as well” adding “if people say I’m too serious, quite honestly there’s a lot to be serious about – I’m serious about doing a serious job for all the people of this country”.
For a man under so much pressure to deliver amid speculation over his personality and leadership qualities he was defiant and confident in Labour’s ability, promising that the party would be the “rock of stability and fairness upon which people can stand”. He admitted to mistakes with the 10p tax rate but reassured people that the Labour Party are on their side, championing security and fair chances for all and putting people first, especially for those on middle and modest incomes.
The speech, which lasted around an hour, praised the work his cabinet was doing in education, health and culture and most of all reiterated his promise to help the people who need it most, stressing the changing times of a global age with great financial instability. In response to the new “global age”, he promised to set out clear principles for a global economy and to rebuild the global financial sector with London as the financial centre of the world. He also promised an end to the dictatorship of oil and more investment in clean coal, renewable energy and nuclear power.
Gordon Brown’s speech aside, there still seemed a lack of progressive language throughout the week. Much of the conference focused on ratification and reassurance, reassurance that the Labour Party can lead the country through tough economic challenges. This conference effectively kicks off the campaigning toward a fourth term in office.
Alistair Darling performed well at the conference and helped to quell worries and reiterated that food and oil prices were global problems and gave hope that things would improve, “the price of oil is down from its summer high. There are signs too that crop prices are falling which should eventually be reflected in the shops.” He also stated his intentions to help families: “this month 22 million people on low and middle incomes will receive a £60 rebate – with an extra £10 each month until April.” Importantly, Alistair Darling was also emphatic in his support for Brown and the party: “These are very uncertain times. But one thing I am certain about is that we have the right Prime Minister, the right team and the right policies to help the country through them.” He also called for unity in the party, “We should have confidence in ourselves and confidence in the future.” The stage is set and the slog towards a general election seems imminent: don’t write Brown off yet; he’s still got a lot to say.
