PM’s enemies to exploit mail row

[Big Daz]

PM’s enemies to exploit mail row

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From The Sunday TimesMarch 1, 2009

PM’s enemies to exploit mail rowJonathan Oliver
GORDON BROWN has been warned that his Labour enemies are plotting to exploit the row over Royal Mail privatisation to mount a new attempt to destabilise his leadership.

Senior aides to the prime minister are alarmed that left-wing rebels protesting against plans to sell part of the postal service have been joined by ultra-Blairites hostile to Brown.

One senior No 10 adviser said an “unholy alliance” was being formed that could damage the prime minister’s standing.

“Those on the left have a principled objection,” he said. “These right-wing Blairites cannot possibly object. They are doing this to undermine Gordon. Peter Mandelson should be doing more to rein them in.” Lord Mandelson, the business secretary, made concessions last week, but Labour whips still fear defeat in a Commons vote - expected in May - without Tory support.

More than 150 Labour MPs, including 10 ministerial aides, have signed a motion calling for the government to reconsider plans to sell 30% of the Royal Mail to a foreign company.

Among them is Siobhain McDonagh, who resigned as a government whip last September to call for a leadership contest. Several other MPS who have called for Brown to go have also signed the motion.

Privately, some critics believe they have one last chance to remove Brown to give his potential successor a year before a general election.