Well, Gordon Brown lifts the crown. That is, in the arcane fashion of the Labour Party choosing its next leader they've managed not to have a contest at all, and we must all live with the consequences as he becomes Prime Minister at the end of June.
Gordo says he didn't threaten, bully or cajole MPs against signing up to support a possible contender*, the Labour left winger MP John McDonnell (who you might ask? I dunno. But one thing's for sure, we won't be hearing from him again, so no need to worry) I believe Brown. I think there was no need to threaten against supporting another candidate - thus necessitating a contest. Because I think they all know what Gordon Brown is like. The Dick Cheney of British politics, Mr Brown is a man who knows how to carry a grudge and a man who will freeze you out and make you pay for your impudence. Long live King Gordon!
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I note that Tony Blair and George Bush had a last love-in in the Rose Garden yesterday. Many in Britain are suggesting that Tony step down now and let Gordon move his offices to Number 10. Gordo seems to be in new hurry, perhaps that was part of the deal to let Tony have his farewell tour - no matter what. His original departure date was set to coincide with the end of the leadership contest, but since that wrapped up very early there seems to be no impediment to office.
The Brits are used to swift transitions. You know the results of the election by 1am on the morning after polling day and by 10am the movers have removed your last box from Downing Street - and the new PM has got a throng of people outside the front door to wish you on your way. (I'd be tempted to leave something nasty in the middle of the velvet coverlet in the master bedroom) But as an American, I'm used to the idea of a lame duck presidency - from November to January - so it doesn't bother me in the slightest that Tony's taking his own sweet time to pack up.
Although I do note that he's off to a European "constitutional" meeting in his last week in office. I wonder will he sign us all up to something that Gordon Brown backs but which he'll be able duck accountability for - e.g. the European constitution by the back door.
Only time will tell.
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*Yesterday was the deadline for Labour party challengers to get 40-some signatures from fellow MPs as a nomination to become candidate. No one made it, so Gordon Brown goes unchallenged.
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