Cabinet defies Blair in power struggle--Independent, UK

[Gloria]

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=636608

Cabinet defies Blair in power struggle
By Andy McSmith and Francis Elliott

08 May 2005

Tony Blair's authority was ebbing away last night as details emerged of how he was repeatedly forced by members of his Cabinet to cave in during a chaotic attempt to give his government a post-election shake-up.

John Prescott, Charles Clarke and Ruth Kelly are among ministers who defied Mr Blair as he tried to reshuffle his Cabinet to concentrate power in the hands of Blairite modernisers.

Mr Prescott flatly refused to cede control of local government to David Blunkett while Mr Clarke was furious at plans to strip the Home Office of its responsibility for curbing anti-social behaviour.

This week, the Prime Minister will have to reassert his authority over the Labour Party after a bruising election campaign. Despite a 66-seat majority in the House of Commons, several MPs are openly calling for Mr Blair to hand over the reins of power to Gordon Brown much sooner than the four years he has said he will stay on in office.

The most striking illustration of how hobbled Mr Blair has become is the behaviour of the Cabinet's newest recruit, Ms Kelly. The Education Secretary refused to accept a transfer to a different cabinet post as treasury chief secretary, fearing that it would be seen as demotion.

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[Prisoner_Number_Six]

1. I hope he suffers as he squirms.

That man is going to have nightmares every night for the rest of his miserable life. He's earned every single one.

[struggle4progress]

2. He's a millstone around the neck of labor. Maybe now is a good time for ..

.. Bliar to call it quits.