Brown raises spectre of 2008 poll
Brown to prepare for election fight
Monday, 25, Jun 2007 12:00
Speculation is mounting that Gordon Brown could call a snap election within his first year as prime minister, after he appointed an election strategist.
Accepting the Labour leadership yesterday, Mr Brown said transport secretary Douglas Alexander would take on the role as general election co-ordinator.
The move signals the Labour party is on notice to fight an election whenever Mr Brown decides to call one.
Addressing Labour party members yesterday Mr Brown said the party must be ready "not just to fight but to win a general election".
Mr Brown could delay holding a general election until 2010 but it was always predicted he would go to the polls before then. Now it is speculated he could announce an election as early as spring 2008.
Such a move would enable him to take advantage of a possible "Brown bounce" and precede any predicted downturn in the economy.
Former Labour party chairman Hazel Blears wrote to party activists in December last year and warned them to prepare for an election within 18 months, with the party therefore ready to fight a Brown campaign in spring 2008.
However, Mr Brown's aides have attempted to deflect speculation he will call an early election.
Having waited ten years to enter Number 10 it is thought to be extremely unlikely Mr Brown would jeopardise his position by calling a snap election unless he is certain he can win a clear majority.
Opposition politicians have long called for an election, warning Mr Brown that he holds no democratic mandate to lead the country.
Describing the Labour leadership as the longest coronation in history, Lib Dem leader Menzies Campbell said: "Neither Labour members nor the British public have chosen the new prime minister.
"He should seek a mandate immediately"
David Cameron said he was looking forward to the opportunity to take on Gordon Brown across the dispatch box.
"I am looking forward to the challenge," the Tory leader told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
Mr Cameron said Mr Brown would not "provide the change Britain needs", whereas the Conservatives are an "exciting and inspiring alternative" to the government.
The Tory leader dismissed Labour's resurgence in opinion polls, with the Conservatives once again resigned to second place.
Mr Cameron said the only true test of opinion was the local elections, in which the Tories won 40 per cent of the vote and more than 900 council seats.