British Premier’s Party Could Force His Ouster

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LONDON — Dozens of senior Labor members of Parliament are poised to write to the Cabinet urging it to force a leadership contest that could topple Prime Minister Brown.

The Daily Telegraph has learned that a group of moderate MPs, including several former ministers, is planning to address a letter to the entire Cabinet setting out their despair at the problems facing the party — including Mr. Brown’s leadership.

In order to clear the air, the MPs will say that a leadership election needs to be held. The group, numbering at least 30, will not suggest who should stand against or succeed Mr. Brown, believing that is a matter for the party.

As a hunt by those loyal to the prime minister set out to identify the plotters, senior Labor sources said last night that they believed the letter had already been drafted.

However, some of those understood to be involved said that it would not be written until after the summer break, when MPs have had a chance to think about the leadership crisis facing the party.

Several senior backbenchers, including George Howarth and Charles Clarke, are understood to have begun compiling informal lists of those who would support the plot.

One rebel MP said: “We hope that the Cabinet will lead this but if they do not, the time will come when a letter will have to be sent. It is clear that Gordon Brown is the problem. Tactically, now is the wrong time to force matters but I think many MPs will return from their holidays with the necessary resolve.”


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