Jacqui Smith to 'stand down' as Home Secretary [Archive]

EmmaGallen

06-02-2009, 13:55

I say they let me pick the cabinet. I give Jim Allister his wish for a couple of months and NI is put under direct rule so we can move into the 21st century. Then we cn have an election there where we can return to the ridiculous politics but at elast the general laws are standard.

And Cable as Chancellor. Or PM. And William Hague has to meet my mum so she can slap him. And Sinn Fein get no money from Westminster if they refuse to take their seats. And. Catriona Ruain gets burnt at the stake. And she hs to share her stake with Iris Robinson...

Daniel Frost

06-02-2009, 14:00

And Sinn Fein get no money from Westminster if they refuse to take their seats.
I'm down with that, but change the oath.

EmmaGallen

06-02-2009, 14:10

I reckon they should have to follow in DeValera's footsteps: just sign the damned thing and cover up what you are signing!

Also, as they use the name Sinn Fein they should not be allowed to complain about the monarchy element as Sinn Feinw as set up with the intenetion to have Ireland become a dual monarchy: own parliament but swore to the British King.

magicman92

06-02-2009, 14:16

Have you seen the choice?

What? Chris Grayling? :p

morton700

06-02-2009, 15:27

She was always going to go, it just depended when. Gordon Brown has no one to replace her though ...

He might as well call an election to help himself

LordAnubis

06-02-2009, 15:29

And so it begins, the mighty have fallen, the rest shall drop like flies, and then, the longest suicide not shall be re-writteth.

Ok, I need soph or Emma to turn this into a better poem tbh. :p

EmmaGallen

06-02-2009, 16:01

Well I was thinking, not a wee poem, just "As Labour go one by one, the Tories can start shouting " we won we won!"

Mockler

06-02-2009, 16:30

All MPs who have done wrong in the expenses situation should stand down. Its the only honourable thing to do.

The PM is clean, Cameron is not.

LordAnubis

06-02-2009, 16:33

The PM is clean, Cameron is not.

I agree, just look at the dirt on his shirt:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00565/scarfe_090531_565483a.jpg

soph41190

06-02-2009, 16:40

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8079205.stm

Not unexpected to be honest.

I cheered when I saw the news...

magicman92

06-02-2009, 16:47

All MPs who have done wrong in the expenses situation should stand down. Its the only honourable thing to do.

The PM is clean, Cameron is not.

And what about the £6000 Brown claimed for "cleaning services" for his brother? That's hardly helping him do his job.

morton700

06-02-2009, 16:54

And what about the £6000 Brown claimed for "cleaning services" for his brother? That's hardly helping him do his job.

Exactly ... Mockler surely by your defintion that should mean Gordon Brown should go. Or is GB a saint or something? ;)

magicman92

06-02-2009, 16:56

Exactly ... Mockler surely by your defintion that should mean Gordon Brown should go. Or is GB a saint or something? ;)

Perhaps he is like the Camerlengo from Angels & Demons? :p

morton700

06-02-2009, 16:58

Perhaps he is like the Camerlengo from Angels & Demons? :p

Wouldn't be surprised if Mockler believed GB was holy! ;)

PS Angels and Demons was a great film

monorail

06-02-2009, 17:02

Not unexpected. It has been known for weeks that she was leaving the Home Office.

I think on the whole Jacqui Smith has performed well in, by far, the most difficult job in government.

Mockler

06-02-2009, 17:09

Exactly ... Mockler surely by your defintion that should mean Gordon Brown should go. Or is GB a saint or something? ;)

Thr differences is that paying the money back is an admission of guilt... so if anyone pays back money they should resign because its obvious that they have done wrong.

I mostly think we should wait for reviews etc... But if an MP is guilty they should resign. And, I repeat, if they pay money back then they are guilty.

morton700

06-02-2009, 17:18

Thr differences is that paying the money back is an admission of guilt... so if anyone pays back money they should resign because its obvious that they have done wrong.

I mostly think we should wait for reviews etc... But if an MP is guilty they should resign. And, I repeat, if they pay money back then they are guilty.

So Gordon Brown should take £6000 of the taxpayer's money and receive no recrimination??? Surely that is morally wrong?

Mossad

06-02-2009, 17:23

Thr differences is that paying the money back is an admission of guilt... so if anyone pays back money they should resign because its obvious that they have done wrong.

I mostly think we should wait for reviews etc... But if an MP is guilty they should resign. And, I repeat, if they pay money back then they are guilty.

Gordon Brown payed back the cost for his cleaner didn't he?
WHERE IS YOUR GOD NOW??

alexandra23

06-02-2009, 17:59

Funny coinsidence that she thinks now is the right time to 'retire' ;)

monorail

06-02-2009, 18:00

Funny coinsidence that she thinks now is the right time to 'retire' ;)

She's only stepping down from government. She will remain as an MP.

soph41190

06-02-2009, 18:23

She's only stepping down from government. She will remain as an MP.

What's the betting that won't last long...?

morton700

06-02-2009, 18:27

What's the betting that won't last long...?

Hasn't she got a really small majority (2000 I think).

magicman92

06-02-2009, 19:17

Wouldn't be surprised if Mockler believed GB was holy! ;)

PS Angels and Demons was a great film

:D

It was very good...listening to the soundtrack now and it is divine.

joanne.b.

06-02-2009, 19:27

Kind of glad she's gone but to be fair - the Home Secretary is an unpopular job in itself and she obviously was not fit for it.

I never warmed to her and felt her weak for someone who shouldn't be.

I don't want to make assumptions but didn't the authorities say that Gordon Brown's issue of expense was a problem at the fees office instead because of his own doing? I'm sure that's what was reported.

It's amusing to see how all the Conservative MPs who weren't too fond of Cameron and his "new" Torism have found themselves being kicked out...whereas those supportive of him have just got to "answer questions". :rolleyes:

Richie B

06-02-2009, 20:04

I feel sorry for her two sons!!

Also who you think will become the next home secretary??

LordAnubis

06-02-2009, 20:08

I feel sorry for her two sons!!

Why?

To be honest it could be anyone, it's not like anyone currently stands out and says 'pick me' from the shambles that is currently Labour. :p

Paul

06-02-2009, 20:13

I feel sorry for her two sons!!Why?
The porn...

monorail

06-02-2009, 20:14

To be honest it could be anyone, it's not like anyone currently stands out and says 'pick me' from the shambles that is currently Labour. :p

There are able Labour ministers who would make good Home Secretaries. David Miliband is being touted for a switch from the foreign office -he would certainly be capable of dealing with the stresses of the job.

Richie B

06-02-2009, 20:15

Why?

To be honest it could be anyone, it's not like anyone currently stands out and says 'pick me' from the shambles that is currently Labour. :p

I'm not sure how old they but when they get to the age of secondary education theres going to be alot of jokes made about them at school. Generally it will be awkward for them at home, I would be disturbed if everyone knew my dad watched porn and its not something I would want to know!

I'm not saying he does!!!!!!! Its just an example!!!!

Why not bring david blunkett back?? It would be funny!! Also if he is you heard it from me first!

coruscant

06-02-2009, 20:15

lol

The Home Office has made a lot of mistakes under her tenure too, losing information, 42 day detention, ID Cards e.t.c. The whole Home Office policy is wrotten.

monorail

06-02-2009, 20:19

I would be disturbed if everyone knew my dad watched porn

I doubt they'd find it that shocking. How many men haven't watched porn??

Why not bring david blunkett back?? It would be funny!! Also if he is you heard it from me first!

God no. Jack Straw looks possible though.

monorail

06-02-2009, 20:20

lol

The Home Office has made a lot of mistakes under her tenure too, losing information, 42 day detention, ID Cards e.t.c. The whole Home Office policy is wrotten.

Identity cards was a scheme introduced by Tony Blair, when I believe Charles Clarke was Home Secretary. 42 Day detention was Gordon Brown's personal crusade.

LordAnubis

06-02-2009, 20:22

Alan Johnson anyone?

monorail

06-02-2009, 20:23

Alan Johnson anyone?

Business secretary in place of Mandelson.

If he is offered the Home Office, he may not accept it.

coruscant

06-02-2009, 20:25

Identity cards was a scheme introduced by Tony Blair, when I believe Charles Clarke was Home Secretary. 42 Day detention was Gordon Brown's personal crusade.
That's what I'm saying - Labour need to rethink their entire strategy within the Home Office.

joanne.b.

06-02-2009, 20:48

Yeah, Labour need to have a re-think and bring something new into the Home Office. Personally, I think David Milliband should stay in Foreign Secretary.

Ed Milliband could be interesting though. He's a very good communicator and is something different from the usual - also, he's been clean during the Expenses scandal.

Right, we got:

- Jacqui Smith gone
- Tom Watson to quit
- Beverley Hughes to quit
- Alastair Darling under threat
- Geoff Hoon under threat
- Hazel Blears under threat

I don't see why Brown can't do an intelligent shake-up with this. Last reshuffle was pretty extraordinary but it seems this one could be even more.

I wouldn't bet on it though... :rolleyes:

monorail

06-02-2009, 20:54

I don't see why Brown can't do an intelligent shake-up with this. Last reshuffle was pretty extraordinary but it seems this one could be even more.

Alan Milburn??

If Mandelson was a shock last time, Milburn would be a massive shock this time.

Maybe Miliband will go to the Home Office, Mandelson the Foreign Office and Alan Milburn to Business. :D That would be the most shocking result.

Miliband is probably the only person with the political gravitas to take on the Home Office at what is a very precarious time for the Labour party.

Although I agree that he is probably best at the Foreign Office. Untainted by the inevitable scandal that Home Secretaries endure, he would be free to become Gordon Brown's successor as Labour leader.

joanne.b.

06-02-2009, 21:06

Alan Milburn??

If Mandelson was a shock last time, Milburn would be a massive shock this time.

Maybe Miliband will go to the Home Office, Mandelson the Foreign Office and Alan Milburn to Business. :D That would be the most shocking result.

Miliband is probably the only person with the political gravitas to take on the Home Office at what is a very precarious time for the Labour party.

Although I agree that he is probably best at the Foreign Office. Untainted by the inevitable scandal that Home Secretaries endure, he would be free to become Gordon Brown's successor as Labour leader.

If Mandelson stayed in Business, which I suspect he might, then why can't Milburn move straight to Foreign Secretary?

I don't know if David would want to take over the party straight away though. He'd be a Kinnock - someone to control/fight the Party rather than be a likely Prime Minister.

If they want a shocking result - Tony Blair. No one would expect that. Like...no one.

soph41190

06-02-2009, 21:08

If Mandelson stayed in Business, which I suspect he might, then why can't Milburn move straight to Foreign Secretary?

I don't know if David would want to take over the party straight away though. He'd be a Kinnock - someone to control/fight the Party rather than be a likely Prime Minister.

If they want a shocking result - Tony Blair. No one would expect that. Like...no one.

Gordon Brown makes Tony Blair look like Mother Teresa...

joanne.b.

06-02-2009, 21:20

Gordon Brown makes Tony Blair look like Mother Teresa...

It would be an image boost.

"Gordon - he's a rubbish Prime Mi...oh wait, look there's Tony Blair. Actually Gordon's not that bad."

monorail

06-02-2009, 22:20

I don't know if David would want to take over the party straight away though. He'd be a Kinnock - someone to control/fight the Party rather than be a likely Prime Minister.

Kinnock was never a cabinet minister. Miliband holds the third most senior cabinet post - as a future opposition leader, he would be easily seen as a prime minister in waiting.

Mockler

06-03-2009, 07:18

There is absolutely nothing wrong with ID Cards. Get over yourselves.

coruscant

06-03-2009, 08:23

There is eveything wrong with ID cards - cost, big brother state e.t.c

magicman92

06-03-2009, 08:34

There is absolutely nothing wrong with ID Cards. Get over yourselves.

So what happens when someone nicks your card? You're screwed!

coruscant

06-03-2009, 08:39

"It just means that if your identity has been stolen, you're going to need new eyeballs and a finger transplant!"
Frankie Boyle is great :)

magicman92

06-03-2009, 08:40

"It just means that if your identity has been stolen, you're going to need new eyeballs and a finger transplant!"
Frankie Boyle is great :)

Minority Report anyone? :p

Patriot 167

06-03-2009, 09:29

Hazel Blears has resigned! :eek:

morton700

06-03-2009, 09:44

Patriot 167

06-03-2009, 09:52

I said it first!

magicman92

06-03-2009, 10:05

LordAnubis

06-03-2009, 10:59

It's like dominoes. One falls and the rest go. His cabinet is crumbling around him.

magicman92

06-03-2009, 11:09

It's like dominoes. One falls and the rest go. His cabinet is crumbling around him.

Tomorrow is going to be so much fun!

LordAnubis

06-03-2009, 11:14

Tomorrow is going to be so much fun!

*Jumps up and down in excitement*

Who's up for having an election party on msn? We can all stay up all night refreshing wildly while drinking :p

magicman92

06-03-2009, 11:19

*Jumps up and down in excitement*

Who's up for having an election party on msn? We can all stay up all night refreshing wildly while drinking :p

I've got 2 exams on Friday...plus Eton don't allow MSN...but apart from that, yes! :p

LordAnubis

06-03-2009, 11:26

I've got 2 exams on Friday...plus Eton don't allow MSN...but apart from that, yes! :p

Awww lame :( Ah well, we'll just imagine you were there in spirit! :p

I really should find better things to do that have election parties shouldn't I?

cig1705

06-03-2009, 11:28

Hazel Blears has resigned from the government:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/8080777.stm

The people around GB are falling all around him when will he?

Can't look good before the EU elections ...

And for once I am "Hazel Nuts" (her terrible campaign to be deputy leader, before you accuse me of having dreamt up her slogan...). How happy I am to see her false patriotism go...

coruscant

06-03-2009, 12:14

Well, Labour are falling apart internally, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, SNP are clamouring for a GE - with electoral disaster only a day away, I can't see how Brown can continue.

morton700

06-03-2009, 12:36

Well, Labour are falling apart internally, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, SNP are clamouring for a GE - with electoral disaster only a day away, I can't see how Brown can continue.

Even if Labour can't continue, Gordon Brown will still try to hang onto power (albeit unsuccessfully I hope)

coruscant

06-03-2009, 12:41

Then the opposition motion will be carried and he'll be toppled from power.

Paul

06-03-2009, 13:21

Did anyone read the Guardian editorial today calling for him to go? (having already urged people to vote Lib Dem (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jun/02/editorial-local-european-elections) yesterday)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jun/02/editorial-gordon-brown-labour

Here's the Independent calling for a Labour Leadership Election...
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-drastic-action-is-now-needed-to-secure-a-general-election-1694539.html

The spectator (http://www.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/3664473/the-guardian-callsfor-brown-to-go.thtml) reckons that the Mirror is the only paper still backing brown.

coruscant

06-03-2009, 14:19

Yep, only himself and the Mirror like Brown now :D

LordAnubis

06-03-2009, 14:22

Yep, only himself and the Mirror like Brown now :D

And mockler, and a few dissalousioned Labour supporters at school :p

monorail

06-03-2009, 14:22

Sky News were awfully excited this morning when Blears resigned. Commentator after commentator came on to be interviewed and said they were expecting a fiery PMQs.

Instead, Cameron gave by far his weakest performance at the dispatch box for a while and Brown appeared strong, confident and in control (he had no notes......very unusual for him)

Brown is not about to be forced from office. He will still be Prime Minister come the next election.

coruscant

06-03-2009, 14:25

And mockler, and a few dissalousioned Labour supporters at school :p
Him, the Mirror, but not his mirror :p

coruscant

06-03-2009, 14:26

Daniel Frost

06-03-2009, 14:31

Brown is not about to be forced from office. He will still be Prime Minister come the next election.
Unless he resigns today, that is obvious.

monorail

06-03-2009, 14:34

Unless he resigns today, that is obvious.

Not to some....earlier today, Matthew Parris said after the Blears news something along the lines of "This is the end....[of GB's career]"

There are a lot of journalists who think, or perhaps want to see, Labour perform poorly tomorrow and for the Blears resignation to be a catalyst for a change of leadership in the party.

coruscant

06-03-2009, 14:39

Not to some....earlier today, Matthew Parris said after the Blears news something along the lines of "This is the end....[of GB's career]"

There are a lot of journalists who think, or perhaps want to see, Labour perform poorly tomorrow and for the Blears resignation to be a catalyst for a change of leadership in the party.
Or a change of leadership of the country via an election.

monorail

06-03-2009, 14:42

Or a change of leadership of the country via an election.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/jun/03/gordon-brown-rebels-timetable

The Guardian is now predicting that:

"9 June: The prime minister is forced from office."

and that:

"2 July: Brown would formally resign and the new prime minister would be installed."

This is all nonsense.

coruscant

06-03-2009, 14:48

I hope it isn't nonsense, I want it too happen!

morton700

06-03-2009, 15:01

It think it all depends on how these EU and local elections go ...

coruscant

06-03-2009, 15:02

And they'll go badly, everyone knows that.

LordAnubis

06-03-2009, 15:12

*Sits back, grabs food, and watches*

:Vampiress:

06-03-2009, 15:50

Wow I can't believe that is going to be a possible coup against Brown, I wonder who he'll reshuffle to fill in her dirty boots.
Good riddance to sticky and slimy rubbish!

:Vampiress:

06-03-2009, 15:50

*Sits back, grabs food, and watches*

*Joins you*
*P.S I veto the food be chicken*
*fried*

tiger_riger

06-03-2009, 15:59

Yeah Cheerio, don't come back! UKIP in power please.

EmmaGallen

06-03-2009, 16:09

Wow I can't believe that is going to be a possible coup against Brown, I wonder who he'll reshuffle to fill in her dirty boots.
Good riddance to sticky and slimy rubbish!

Well apparently Alan Johnson (haven't a clue who he is) may challenge Brown's leadership.

morton700

06-03-2009, 16:17

Well apparently Alan Johnson (haven't a clue who he is) may challenge Brown's leadership.

Alan Johnson is the health secretary.

A lot of the Labour party like him and think he should lead them (there were calls for him to stand for leader in 2005). He said though today that he doesn't want to and 'Gordon Brown is doing a great job.'

Patriot 167

06-04-2009, 15:42

I said it first!

To the person who gave me negative reputation for this post, it was a joke.

(I also believe the comments "Waa. Cry me river" doesn't show the best use of prose)

magicman92

06-04-2009, 21:02

Holy ****! James Purnell has resigned calling for Brown to resign! Letter in the Times and the Sun tomorrow!

LordAnubis

06-04-2009, 21:07

Indeed, interesting takes on it in the papers:
Times - Blairite high-flyer risks everything
James Purnell stood on the threshold of promotion to one of the great offices of state, but has instead thrown down his career (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6434068.ece)

Guardian - James Purnell quits cabinet and calls on Gordon Brown to stand aside now (http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/jun/04/james-purnell-resigns-gordon-brown-cabinet)

It seems He was offered a job ahead of the reshuffle. Not read articles yet, only scanned. It's all gone rather Balls up. ;)

Bad pun, sorry :p

liberati

06-04-2009, 21:12

Holy ****! James Purnell has resigned calling for Brown to resign! Letter in the Times and the Sun tomorrow!

Indeed, just seen the 10 o'clock news, three cabinet ministers in as many days, not looking good for the Brown stuff.

morton700

06-04-2009, 21:49

He even called for Brown to go! Great news!

Just one of the many stepping stones for GB to lose his job! Bets on when he will go anyone? :p

LordAnubis

06-04-2009, 21:54

Monday after the EU results? :p

liberati

06-04-2009, 22:09

Monday after the EU results? :p

Rather longer I think, either he'll be out within a few months or he'll hang on 'til the next election, and lose.

soph41190

06-04-2009, 22:15

Indeed, just seen the 10 o'clock news, three cabinet ministers in as many days, not looking good for the Brown stuff.

I clapped upon the reading.
This is going according to plan *rubs hands with glee*....

LordAnubis

06-04-2009, 22:52

I clapped upon the reading.
This is going according to plan *rubs hands with glee*....

I actually managed to persuade my parents to open a bottle of wine with the excuse of labour falling apart :p Ahh it's the little things in life.

Milliband go tommorow anyone?

Patriot 167

06-04-2009, 22:53

Milliband go tommorow anyone?

Definatly not, his only political goal is to be Prime Minister.

soph41190

06-04-2009, 23:00

I actually managed to persuade my parents to open a bottle of wine with the excuse of labour falling apart :p Ahh it's the little things in life.

Milliband go tommorow anyone?

I hope so. He's a creep.

Highly unsophisticated reason to dislike a political party member but, meh, as you say, it is the 'little things in life'....;)