SPL : John Reid's remarkable revelation
John Reid, under interrogation from the home affairs select committee, has described the execution of immigration policy as "not fit for purpose", and, at times, "dysfunctional". As Michael Howard and Roy Hattersly both pointed out on The Daily Politics today, this is a remarkable indictment of his three predecessors at the Home Office. Nick Robinson discusses this here.
Mutterings within cabinet are of course by no means rare, but Mr Reid's rhetoric was especially damning, and represents a clear attempt to distinguish himself from a very unpopular department. The fact that Mr Reid was prepared to criticise fellow cabinet minister Jack Straw in the way that he did also suggests that he harbours more profound ambitions within the government. Not a challenge to Gordon Brown, surely?
Discussion and Debate on Westminster, British Politics, Economics and
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3 Comments:
I think it's been obvious for a while that Dr Reid is planning to challenge Gordy for the PM's job, you don't have to be Frank Field to notice that (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4767523.stm).
Reid is seen as Labour's Mr Fix-it and has been handled the poisined chalice (as he normally is). More often than not he ends up coming out smelling of roses and if he manages the same here than he will give Gordy a run for his money (and I would back Reid).
Agree with Ben that Reid has always had an eye for the top job, ever since breaking into the Cabinet. These Scots are usually combative and the former communist ones often seem committed to a reformulated but no less powerful strain of political ambition.
John Reid on paper looks like a great PM. However, whilst being very charismatic in terms of what he says i.e. outspoken, he is also quite boring. I can't see him appealing to many voters.
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