The Worst of Enemies

The question on everyone's lips* - can Brown survive? Well, judging by the panicked reshuffle after another electoral kicking, it looks like he's going to give it a go. And he may make it, you know. Not because he deserves to, but rather because he has the tenacious staying power of a hungry leech.

Still, I'm about as removed from the corridors of power as it is possible to be, so I'll leave the speculation to others. What did strike me is Purnell's resignation. James Purnell may be one of the people who helps to bring down Gordon Brown. Which is ridiculous, really. James Purnell. A man would not look out of place in the harshest of Tory Cabinets – except for his ridiculous hair. James pissing Purnell. Fuck me, most Labour leaders would have him on the sidelines - as the sort of person who joined the wrong party - rather than be partially dependent on them. James "Workhouse" Purnell has as much to do with socialism as Alan B’stard.

Whilst we are on the subject, though, it is worth noting that one of the other nemeses of Gordon Brown isn’t exactly Francis Urqhart. Yep, I’m talking about Hazel Blears. Hazel Blears. That unfortunate genetic mishap that blended woman with chipmunk. But it isn’t just the fact that she is a ridiculous person to look at – there is also the little matter of her being up to her neck in the expenses scandal. She is crippling Brown by resigning from the Cabinet – if Brown had an ounce of sense, then he would have forced her to go at about the time she was paying back that £13k. But no. And now she is one of the people working so hard towards the enforced, early retirement of Gordon Brown.

These people just shouldn't be threats to any decent Prime Minister with a modicum of ability and political skill. Yet they are the ones using Brown's back as a pincushion. The old adage of being able to take the measure of a man by the calibre of his enemies springs to mind again, so maybe it is fitting that if Gordon Brown falls, it will be down to a corrupt chipmunk and a total tit in disguise as a Labour minister.

UPDATE:

Whilst writing this post, the scarily staring John Hutton has quit the Cabinet as well. Although apparently he is still going to be loyal to Gordon Brown. Odd sort of loyalty as far as I can see, so it's probably time for another old saying - with friends like these...

*Well, the lips of everyone who cares about something other than Susan Boyle or some other reality TV twunt.