World | UK

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
  • Gulf News

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.

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 4 Stars
Tools

Emailing an article to friend is a simple way to share a news item. Your friend will receive an email with your name and email address as well any personal message you choose to send.

The information you provide on this page will not be used to send unsolicited emails.

This service is not intended to encourage spam, and action may be taken against individuals who maliciously enter personal details of another individual.

Share this article

Related Articles

  1. 'E-mail drive' planned to oust Brown

    Labour lawmakers plan 'e-mail drive' to oust premier

  2. Blow for Brown as second cabinet minister quits

    Blow for Brown as second cabinet minister quits

  3. Support for Brown plummets as expenses scandal bites

    Support for Brown plummets as expenses scandal bites

    Support for Brown plummets as expenses scandal bites

  4. Brown faces flak over Chancellor appointment

    Brown faces flak over Chancellor appointment

UK

  1. Britons more optimistic about the economy

  2. Afghanistan commander calls for staying the course

  3. Sexual assaults on children soars

  4. Tough love moulds young minds best

  5. Wanted man sends in replacement photo

  6. Two British ticketholders share £90m jackpot

  7. Mum dies trying to save son from blaze

  8. Meeting the Queen with pen tucked behind ear!

All articles in United Kingdom

More from World

Gulf News
Popular in World

More from world

News Editor's choice