19/09/2008

Embattled PM Faces Online Disgruntlement

Rumbles of Labour discontent have been felt on the party's website - proving the Prime Minister has fallen out of favour with grass root supporters.

An online poll has suggested embattled Labour leader Gordon Brown faces strong opposition from members logging onto Labourhome.org - a forum for party followers.

Over the last three days 788 Labour members voted on the possibility of a leadership challenge - 54% polled said they would prefer a change at the top prior to the next general election.

The news comes amid continued mutiny from rebel Labour MPs, and the cabinet resignation of the Scottish Secretary of State.

The results of the poll have been published in today's Independent newspaper.

Around 57% of respondents suggested they would back a vote on whether there should be a Labour leadership contest at next week's party conference.

The poll also said 45% of people believed Labour would be better off without Mr Brown, who took over from Tony Blair just 15 months ago - unopposed within the party.

Only 28% of participants in the poll said they thought removing the incumbent Prime Minister now would be detrimental.

A leadership contest can only be sanctioned if 20% of the Labour parliamentarians call for it.

Earlier this weeks the party's ruling body denied requests to issue leadership nomination forms.

(PR/JM)

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