Labour happy with election rumours
Sunday, 23 Sep 2007 19:48
Gordon Brown mulls a snap general election
Gordon Brown is considering a snap general election in 2007 later than the previously-considered October 25th date, according to newspaper reports.
The prime minister has arrived in Bournemouth today for his first party conference as Labour leader amid speculation that he could be preparing for a short election campaign.
This morning's newspapers feature senior party members refusing to play down the rumours.
Deputy leader Harriet Harman told the Independent that "people are very determined and very confident" while foreign secretary David Miliband ambitiously told the Observer that his party is already planning "the second decade of New Labour".
On the potential for a snap election, which many had previously believed could not take place in 2007 later than October, an insider told the Observer: 'Don't assume it's all over if we don't go for October 25th. There's not a huge difference between the length of the days between the end of October and early November."
The man with the most at stake, Mr Brown himself, told the BBC's Sunday AM programme that he believed the economy, public services and the "rising aspirations" of Britons would be the key issues "whenever a time comes for a decision".
"There's been speculation all the time but I think people know that over these summer months I just got on with the job. I'll keep getting on with the job," he said.
Political commentators say recent polls giving Labour a lead over the Conservatives of between five and ten points could push the prime minister into an early election.
Some analysts say the strong showing since Mr Brown took over may be more to do with relief at the exit of Tony Blair than because of his former chancellor, however.