THE PACT

The pact that put Blair in charge (Ronan McGreevy, June 06, 2003, Times of London)

GORDON BROWN insisted that Tony Blair pursue his social agenda when he sacrificed his leadership ambitions in 1994, it was revealed last night.

Details of part of the deal between the two men when Mr Blair became the new Labour leadership candidate after the death of John Smith were contained in a briefing note drawn up by aides of both men after Mr Brown made the decision to step aside in favour of his old friend. It gave Mr Blair a clear run in the leadership election. [...]

The penultimate paragraph reads: ?In his Wales and Luton speeches, Gordon has spelled out the fairness agenda--social justice, employment opportunities and skills--which he believes should be the centrepiece of Labour?s programme and Tony has guaranteed this will be pursued and that the party?s economic and social policies should be further developed on this basis.?

Is there anything about Labour that Tony Blair actually agrees with? Posted by Orrin Judd at June 7, 2003 5:12 PM