Gordon Brown resigns as a precursor to Lab-Lib coalition government

Gordon Brown resigns as a precursor to Lab-Lib coalition government
May 10, 2010

I wrote a week ago in this column that it was likely that Gordon Brown's departure would be a likely consequence or pre-cursor to a Labour-Liberal Democrat party link-up to govern Britain as a coalition following the indecisive 2010 General election.

I would forecast firstly, that the Labour leadership election will be fought between David milliband and Ed Balls with Peter Mandelson as kingmaker (Again). May Shakespeare in general and MacBeth in particular be assimilated by all candidates in the Party ahead of the summer campaigning. Perhaps Machiavelli would be best though one suspects Mandelson has bought up all the available copies at bookseller Waterstones.

In terms of Gordon Brown, I remember well his love of Cape Cod and summers in the East Coast of America. I think he will enjoy the anonymity of America where press interest in the UK election has been scant and more focused on what America dislikes or is rather confused with about Britain - "how can an election or a sport end in a draw ?"

With regard to him seeking a finance post abroad - the current head of the World Bank was appointed in July 1, 2007 for a 5-year term. If Gordon can position himself well he will have ample time to write his memoirs and campaign for the role (especially should Ed Balls win the leadership contest - giving GB help and support). Given that Robert McNamara was head I think there is a natural fit for Gordon Brown.

The International Monetary Fund Managing Director was appointed November 1, 2007 though the term of service has varied much and little is offered as to a guide to the length which is served. Suffice it to say the current head is a Frenchman who stood against Sarkozy, the current President and is a healthy socialist economist with a reputed appetite for engaging with young economists in an unconventional manner.

One could not imagine Gordon Brown as heading up the European Central Bank or the EBRD given his distinct lack of enthusiasm for Europe on a day-to-day basis. The ECB appoints for a non-renewal term of eight years, the current President was appointed in 2003 so could be up for renewal as early as next year, so who knows ?

I shall leave for another entry my vies on the likely impact of a Labour-Liberal coalition on the Conservative Party leadership but suffice it to say that we continue to live in interesting times....