Can you have a big political relaunch without a big political press conference? This is a question that troubled a few minds in Downing St. So far, we’ve seen a housing package, the leaked outlines of an energy plan, and a pamphlet telling us that Gordon Brown means business. But the most obvious publicity vehicle – a press conference – has been carefully avoided. In spite of the importance of this “autumn relaunch”, the prime minister has kept a relatively low profile. Media appearances have been tightly controlled, short, and devoid of tough questions. You have to wonder why.

This is certainly a break with the past. In his first few months in office, Mr Brown often opted to face adversity by facing the press in Downing St (think back to the data loss, Northern Rock, 10p). Now, I’m told, his attitude has changed. A scheduled “monthly” press conference was recently unscheduled, at his behest.

Some reasonably convincing reasons for the decision come to mind. Mr Brown may want to keep his powder dry before conference. And past press conferences have hardly been showstoppers. Even so, the decision hints at the personal toll of the relentless criticism, party unrest and general pressure of being prime minister. In the preface to the Labour conference document, Mr Brown tells us he has the inner strength to prevail. But would it not be better to show us, in person, by landing the clunking fist on a few gutless hacks?  

September 8, 2008 8:05pm in Gordon Brown | Comment