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Brown struggles to stay afloat
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown attempted on Wednesday to survive the most serious challenge to his leadership since he took office, as Cabinet ministers deserted his government and a scandal over lawmakers' expenses threatened to force him out of Downing Street.
- AP
- Published: 23:36 June 3, 2009
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'E-mail drive' planned to oust Brown
Labour lawmakers plan 'e-mail drive' to oust premier
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Blow for Brown as second cabinet minister quits
Blow for Brown as second cabinet minister quits
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Support for Brown plummets as expenses scandal bites
Support for Brown plummets as expenses scandal bites
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Brown faces flak over Chancellor appointment
Brown faces flak over Chancellor appointment
London: British Prime Minister Gordon Brown attempted on Wednesday to survive the most serious challenge to his leadership since he took office, as Cabinet ministers deserted his government and a scandal over lawmakers' expenses threatened to force him out of Downing Street.
Four ministers have quit their jobs in two days, pre-empting Brown's planned shake-up of his ministerial team and creating the image of a government in chaos.
Their decision to abandon Brown before British voters go to the polls in European and local elections today is seen by many as an attempt to force the prime minister from office. Many legislators believe the governing Labour Party can only revive its fortunes under a new leader.
A group of rebel Labour MPs is seeking signatures for a letter calling on Brown to step down, the Guardian newspaper reported on its website on Wednesday.
No hard copy of the letter exists but a network of backbench MPs is canvassing opinions to gauge the level of support for the prime minister, the report added.
Voters are expected to use the elections to rebuke Britain's three major political parties - but Brown's Labour in particular - by backing minority parties.
Britain's opposition parties claim Brown has lost political authority and have urged him to call a national election immediately.
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