Hain sorry over donations 'kerfuffle'
Updated on 16 January 2008
Peter Hain has apologised to the cabinet after Gordon Brown's devastating description of his behaviour over campaign finance as 'incompetence'.
Mr Hain had apologised to his cabinet colleagues for what was called a kerfuffle - failing to declare campaign donations.
But last night's "incompetence" comment from the Prime Minister on the News at Ten wasn't exactly supportive.
"I think he took his eye off the ball - concentrating on his work. It was a mistake that was made, it was an incompetence that he has readily admitted to." - Gordon Brown
If he wants Hain to stay it was a clumsy choice of word, but the PM isn't as nimble on his feet as his predecessor. Tony Blair deflected the blustering behaviour of his deputy in that egg throwing incident as just "John being John".
'It was an incompetence that he has readily admitted to'Gordon Brown
Even the Iron Lady never questioned her Minister's competence in public, although she did describe Chancellor Nigel Lawson's position as being unassailable - he was out within the week.
And her press man Bernard Ingham called Tory peer Lord Biffen "semi-detached" before he was shunted sideways.
Brown's choice of words has rattled Hain's supporters.
Those who had backed him shied away from doing the same today - they wanted to wait for the outcome of the standards committee enquiry before reiterating their support they said.
