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11/05/2007
Brown's Labour leader bid gains Blair's 'full support'
As Gordon Brown launched his campaign for the leadership of the Labour Party he has said that he is prepared to "listen and learn".
The UK Chancellor set out his "Gordon Brown for Britain" stall in a speech delivered to party activists in central London. Mr Brown declared that he was the candidate "with new ideas and vision" for the leadership of Britain and the Labour Party.
He said that his government would be humble enough to know its place and that it would "listen and learn."
He promised a new direction for new Labour to meet the new challenges, one that would "restore power to parliament in order to build the trust of the British people in our democracy."
Today Tony Blair fully endorsed the bid by the UK Chancellor. He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to give my full support to Gordon as the next leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister and to endorse him fully."
Mr Brown's campaign manager, Commons Leader Jack Straw, said challengers for the party leadership would be welcomed. However, the two contenders to emerge have delayed a decision over who will stand aside. This has fuelled speculation that neither has achieved the requisite 44 nominations from Labour MPs necessary to run in a contest against Mr Brown.
Party left-wingers Michael Meacher and John McDonnell claimed that the contest to win support for their nominations was "too close to call".
Mr Brown's leadership will may well proceed to the hustings unopposed as no other of the party's Blairite faithful have come forward to declare an interest in the leadership.
As for the deputy leadership Peter Hain and Harriet Harmon have declared that they are running and published lists of their backers. Alan Johnston and Hazel Blears are also considered likely to get sufficient backing to win nominations.
John Cruddas has said that he may get the support of 45 MPs, though Hilary Benn has yet to declare the level of support among MPs.
The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party John Prescott will stand down on June 27, the same day as the Prime Minister.
(SP)
The UK Chancellor set out his "Gordon Brown for Britain" stall in a speech delivered to party activists in central London. Mr Brown declared that he was the candidate "with new ideas and vision" for the leadership of Britain and the Labour Party.
He said that his government would be humble enough to know its place and that it would "listen and learn."
He promised a new direction for new Labour to meet the new challenges, one that would "restore power to parliament in order to build the trust of the British people in our democracy."
Today Tony Blair fully endorsed the bid by the UK Chancellor. He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to give my full support to Gordon as the next leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister and to endorse him fully."
Mr Brown's campaign manager, Commons Leader Jack Straw, said challengers for the party leadership would be welcomed. However, the two contenders to emerge have delayed a decision over who will stand aside. This has fuelled speculation that neither has achieved the requisite 44 nominations from Labour MPs necessary to run in a contest against Mr Brown.
Party left-wingers Michael Meacher and John McDonnell claimed that the contest to win support for their nominations was "too close to call".
Mr Brown's leadership will may well proceed to the hustings unopposed as no other of the party's Blairite faithful have come forward to declare an interest in the leadership.
As for the deputy leadership Peter Hain and Harriet Harmon have declared that they are running and published lists of their backers. Alan Johnston and Hazel Blears are also considered likely to get sufficient backing to win nominations.
John Cruddas has said that he may get the support of 45 MPs, though Hilary Benn has yet to declare the level of support among MPs.
The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party John Prescott will stand down on June 27, the same day as the Prime Minister.
(SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Becoming dry and sunny along the east coast in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Showers gradually die out to leave good clear spells in the evening and overnight. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
