Her Majesty's Government appears to be exceeding its authority following the 2010 British General Election. Constitutionally, Prime Minister Gordon Brown remains in post until the leader of another political party - saving her Majesty's blushes - takes his place. Those of his Cabinet and the rest of the ministerial team irrespect of whether they retained their seats in the House of Commons, or even if they did not seek re-election remain in office too as HMG until the PM resigns.
Last night we learned that a Labour negotiating team had been 'appointed' to talk to the Liberal Democrats. Further, the Cabinet met to discuss Labour Party business arising from Brown's decision to step down as Labour Party leader to enable the Party to start the election process for a successor. We learned from a pronouncement by Foreign Secretary David Miliband to the media after the meeting that no prospective leadership candidates would declare until the next British government is in place. Well that was very gracious of him. But was it appropriate to his pay grade in the circumstances?
The vast majority of Labour cabinet members over the past 13 years have a very poor record concerning party democracy. A moment of truth is now dawning. Later today the Labour Party's National Executive Committee will meet some in London, others courtesy of conference-calling, to assume its rightful role in shaping events following the election.
Following consultations with Labour Party members through Save the Labour Party, we want to ensure that members - both individual and TU Affiliates, and MPs are involved in any negotations that may take place to enable Labour to continue in government. The present negotiating team charged by the Prime Minister needs an agreed remit. Brown resignation triggers an election process, which he anticipates should be completed by the 2010 Annual Conference in September. That should not detract from the need for nominations to be sought for the deputy leader position. Given te risk of a snap election, contingencies have to be put in place to select candidates as soon as possible. After the shameless parliamentary seat engineering in the run-up to the election just ended, particular attention will need to be applied to the role of the NEC itself imposing rigging candidate selections.
So, here's hoping that all the Leader/deputy wannabees will remember whose votes they will depend on if they want to win those elections - Labour Party members - people who expect to have a say.