Browned off

FROM a policy perspective, there is not much to like about Gordon Brown. Yet it is ironic that his best performance for months at Prime Minister's Questions should be immediately eclipsed by two former Cabinet colleagues – Patricia Hewitt and Geoff Hoon – calling for a secret leadership ballot, ostensibly so Labour MPs can settle their continuing differences about Mr Brown's suitability to lead.

This destructive – and counter-productive – hiatus largely stems from the failure of anyone to offer a meaningful challenge to Mr Brown when his predecessor Tony Blair was swept aside. If there had been a substantive contest, the PM would not be facing criticisms that he is an unelected leader without

a mandate.

However, this does not justify the self-indulgence that was witnessed yesterday. Ms Hewitt was one of the worst Health Secretaries in living memory. On the other hand, Mr Hoon was Defence Secretary during the Iraq war – and is disillusioned that he was recently overlooked for a senior EU posting.

Neither individual commands respect. Their letter, and subsequent introspection, was little more than a calculated move to try to persuade sufficient Cabinet Ministers to resign and force Mr Brown to do likewise. Neither could, or chose to name, a potential alternative leader.

This tactic did not work six months ago – and it is unlikely to do so on the eve of an election. Even many of Mr Brown's more venomous critics distanced themselves from this move. They know that divided parties do not win elections.

And, in case the Labour Party needs reminding, it must be left to

voters to determine, via the ballot box, who governs Britain rather than a group of disaffected former Ministers whose careers have, thankfully, come to an end.