How will the party dump the PM?

[R1Geezer]

Ok it's knives out for the PM from his own party. Can some kind sole explain the process of how the Labour party can get shot of Gordon. I'm hearing conflicting reports and various figures bandied about, I heard the process has to start at the Conference and the magic number is 71. Beyond that it's a mystery! Is it likely that they'll manage to dump him?

[rov1200]

I suppose the only thing that will satisfy these Blairites is to bring Britain's answer to godliness and that is to bring back the great man himself. No...oo..oo, anyone but him!

[16AFA]

A vote of no confidence would do it.

The following is taken from 'thinkquest.org'

Parliament can also be dissolved if the government is defeated on an important piece of legislation. When a Parliamentary majority votes against the legislation it is treated as a vote of no confidence for the prime minister and his government. A specific vote by that name may be taken to indicate that the majority of MPs are against the legislation. This tradition is so deep that actual votes of no confidence are rarely taken. The government of Labour Prime Minister James Callaghan was dissolved in 1979 when a vote of no confidence was taken after union workers went on strike in reaction to the government's attempt to limit wage increases. There had been no such vote of no confidence in Britain since 1924.

However, I think this is unlikely at the moment, but don't quote me on that ;-)

[Gromit]

The Prime Minister of the Government and Who the Labour Party picks as its leader or two completely different things.

A vote of no confidence (in the Government) would not do it. Only the Labour can decide who is its leader.

[16AFA]

Agreed Gromit, my point was that after a vote of no confidence, and the resulting General Election defeat the Labour party would have a valid reason to elect a new leader

[R1Geezer]

thanks but I'm asking about how the Labour party get shot of their leader who in this case happens also to be the PM.

[vehelpfulguy]

It would be very embarressing for Labour for Gordon Brown to be publicly forced out of office.

My guess is that if the ground swell in the party grows enough then a few of the Labour big guns will have a quiet meeting with him to tell him to resign with dignity rather than being sacked or forced out.

This is what Thatcher did when enough people in her party turned against her.

[tigerlily11]

I'd wouldn't say no to telling him.
Your rubbish. Theres the door.

[terambulan]

Since he's a scot its over Hadrian's wall for him

[kaw69]

We don`t want to get rid of Gordon Brown yet, we want him to suffer as much as we do and for a couple of years to come, about when things beyond your power go excessively wrong.
He as chancellor along with the Labour govt. have been instrumental in bringing about this crisis
He is now reaping his rewards for the seeds he has cast over the last 10 years
Stay in No. 10 for the next couple of years whilst more s**t hits the fan of your own doing and feel the effect that most of us are feeling
I dought you will lose your home (except No. 10) in the process.

[naomi24]

How will the party dump the PM? As quickly as possible, hopefully.

[R1Geezer]

Ok It's clear that I'm not getting through here.

Ok imagine that Brown is leader of the opposition how would they elect a new leader?

[naomi24]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/sep/13 /labour.labourleadership

Scroll down to the end of the report.

[joggerjayne]

They take him out for a Chinese, then when he get's a fortune cookie thay've planted the same message in all of them.

(like in Mickey Blue Eyes)

[jake-the-peg]

As Naomi points out it's rather complex.

Not like a Ian Duncan Smith affair.

I'm not sure it's that likely though despite what all the newspapers are saying because Gordon Brown still has the "nuclear option"

He can claim that after one "appointed PM" a second would amount to a vote of no confidence and call a gweneral election.

With the current standing it's very unlikely that Labour would do well and a lot of the current plotters would see themselves losing their seats.

As most of the governments current problems stem from things outside their control: oil prices, banking confidence etc. most would rather tough it out and hope things improve globally rather than fight a general election now.

Michael Howard must be laughing now that he didn't win the last election!