The Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling show!
Prime Minister's question time today was an event not to be missed with Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling almost sitting on each other's knees in a show of mutual respect amid allegations that Gordon Brown was behind a smear campaign against the Chancellor of the Exchequer. While both parties have denied there was a smear campaign, Alistair Darling gave a very detailed interview to Sky TV a few days ago in which he claimed that a campaign began after he suggested the UK recession would be the worst in 60 years.
As it happened, Alistair Darling called the recession true to form although at the time it would appear that number 10 Downing Street was annoyed and embarrassed by his claims that the economy was heading for meltdown. There have been rumours for some time the Alistair Darling would have lost his position in the government last year if Gordon Brown had been able to retain his strength, which was significantly reduced after a plot to oust him.
Ed balls was mentioned as a potential successor for Alistair Darling but the Chancellor fought back, held his position and ultimately was able to call Gordon Brown's bluff at the time. Today's show of unity cannot paper over the cracks of what has become a very rocky relationship.
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