A string of stories in The Times have floated the idea of Harriet Harman as successor-in-waiting to replace Gordon Brown. Today the paper’s website predicts that the party’s deputy leader is preparing the ground for a contest.  

I can’t help sharing the views of Philip Stephens, the FT’s esteemed commentator, who doesn’t rate the idea of Harriet Harman as prime minister.

She’s just put out a statement* saying she’s not laying any groundwork for a contest. That should make it harder for her to wield the knife in September - if not stand in a contest provoked by someone else.

*

Here is the statement, which hardly professes undying loyalty:

“I am not preparing the ground for a leadership election. In respect of Labour’s defeat in the Glasgow East by-election, I did not tell aides – or any one else – that “this is my moment”. I was bitterly disappointed by the Glasgow East by-election result in which I campaigned in support of Margaret Curran – a woman who I admire greatly. My “public protestations of loyalty” to Gordon Brown are no different to what I have expressed in private. 

I do not accept “it is over”.

The need to put fairness and equality at the centre of a Labour government was a key part of my campaign to be Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and has remained at the centre of my work as Party Chair and Minister for Women and Equality.

I have not been “quietly working on the unions”, I have been openly working with the unions including on equality issues and building support for the Labour party. “

July 29th, 2008 in Gordon Brown, Labour, Uncategorised | Permalink