Is Gordon in the Brown stuff?

Last Modified: 14 Apr 2008
By: Newsroom blogger

Inside the morning meeting...

A poll in this morning's Financial Times paints a bleak picture for prime minister Gordon Brown.

There's a broad consensus in the news meeting that this Harris opinion poll is far more damaging than any number showing the Labour Party trailing the Conservatives by double digits.

Why? Because it questions the prime minister's economic credentials.

However, as one editor points out, there are an increasing number of formerly loyal backbenchers being anything but loyal.

Brown spent 10 years as chancellor attempting to cement his reputation as prudent and trustworthy - overseeing a growing economy while occasionally, as FactCheck showed, exaggerating his effectiveness.

Now, less than a year into his premiership, 68 per cent say they are "not confident at all" in his ability to deal with the economic crisis.

There are plenty of noises off but little chance of getting critical cabinet minister comment on the record.

However, as one editor points out, there are an increasing number of formerly loyal backbenchers being anything but loyal.

Witness, she says, Geoffrey Robinson's willingness to sign an early day motion against the scrapping of the 10p rate of tax.

A backbencher or two may feature tonight. As too, we hope, will the prime minister although not in a sit-down interview.

The prime minister is out campaigning with Ken Livingstone today ahead of the mayoral elections. Our man, political editor Gary Gibbon, will be 'door-stepping' both.

Watch the results at 7pm.