Prime Minister's Questions has come around again following another bad week for Gordon Brown. Will he come out on top in the chamber?

How will Opposition leaders David Cameron and Nick Clegg fare?

Vote on the leader you feel performed the best on our Politics section poll.

And watch our live PMQs programme at 8.30pm, this week with Chief Political Correspondent Jon Craig.

Tonight's political pundits are Anne Treneman of The Times and Kevin Maguire of the Daily Mirror.

UPDATE: Who did you feel faired the best? Post your comments here and see some of the best on tonight's PMQs programme.

Click here to read Political Correspondent Glen Oglaza's digest of PMQs.

Comments

[mr happy up north 20 May 2008 19:36:08]

victor

i must confess, i have not had time to read the newspapers today, dental treatment: ouch!
so i will have to ask you further quesitons until i catch up.

what is the reason given for such an aim?

what alternative would you suggest?

[mr happy up north 20 May 2008 19:31:18]

elizabeth

madam, you are, of course, completely unbiased:-)
you are neither a libdem nor a labour supporter, i suspect.

you may well be right: who knows. much can happen in two years and politics is often as much good luck as good management.

i have lost count of the number of people i have met like cameron, who are impressive and can charm the birds out of the trees and come across very well at interviews; however, their performance rarely lives up to their billing.

somehow, i just cannot imagine mr cameron as pm. there are others in your party i could see as pm, but not cameron. sorry, but that is my honest opinion.

of course, should he attain that prized role for the tories, i do hope that he does live up to the billing because i am hoping for a stress free retirement.

neither do i see david milliband as the successor to gordon brown. i see him as an influential social thinker, but he is not best suited to the role of pm. there are two others u an keeping an eye on, but i will not name them, here, because that would be to put them up to be knocked down.

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 20 May 2008 14:10:26]

Victor
There are many scary things in your posting, what a thought every telephone call and e-mail recorded, that will keep MI5 busy for the next few years, Brown creating more civil service jobs as unemployment is rising again. Cameras everywhere including trash bins, 42 days detention, and we all thought the "iron curtain" had come down, and that the gestapo had been disbanded, think again Big Brother Brown is taking control of your lives.
If you go to the pub to escape the monotony of everyday life, he has now informed you in a new 10 million pound ad how many points are in each drink. There is no escaping Brown's Britain, this is his vision for us all.

[Victor, NW Kent 20 May 2008 12:02:40]

Mr Happy said "the danger of a facist dictatorship developing".

Mr Happy, that is exactly what the Conservative Party is attempting to prevent.

Surveillance cameras, records of every phone call or internet access to be kept by government, DNA to be kept forever, 42 days detention without charge, 3200 new criminal offences, foreign military adventures - those are Labour policies and they are the policies of totalitarian dictators of every stripe as well.

At that level there is no difference between fascism, communism or extremes of socialism, nationalism or religion. A few manipulate and control the masses.

This is not yet a Burma, a Cuba, a China, a North Korea or a Zimbabwe and there is still time to save it from further stumbles in that direction.

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 20 May 2008 11:56:11]

Mr Happy Up North
I think you are "up the creek". What you are describing about Cameron is exactly what happened when Tony Blair became leader of Labour "cult". Brown on the other hand can't form his own cult because no one wants to be associated with him for fear of being "tarred with the same brush" ie: dull and boring...not very cool or cultish! Brown is a lost cause, and Cameron is on the up, that's life.

[mr happy up north 20 May 2008 08:23:12]

as a 'cult of the leader' has been built up by cameron, then he is the one who gets the flak.
i suggest that it is a clever strategy because if he fails, failure will be associated with him, leaving other front bench people untouched should cameron be decapitated.

this cult of the leader could prove troublesome if mr cameron wins. he may well argue that it was him who won it so they must do what he says.
there lies the danger of a facist dictatorship developing

i

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 16 May 2008 15:21:09]

Labour comrades will have a very busy weekend, there are a number of new book releases out at present, get down to WH Smith. Lord Levy, John Prescott and Cherie Blair are "telling it like it is", the truth is out there...go read it! Gordon Brown will need to have his favourite Scotch sent down from up north I'm sure to make it through to Monday.

[neither/niether 16 May 2008 13:47:20]

Mike Simpson

Have you not noticed when Nu Cons as you call them, write on this blog, although much is aimed at GB. The highest critisism is aimed at this Labour administration as a whole.

You labour bloggers aim almost all your critisism at DC. Alone. There are many tory front benchers that could do the job as leader, and get the party elected.

What a sorry state Labour is in, because as Lord Levy stated last night, (and many others have said) that Labour doesn't have anyone to replace brown.

Now that must tell even you, that Labour is on a hidding for nothing in an election.

Brown was asked the question "who in your party could replace you if you went" at his monthly meeting yesterday.
He couldn't answer and just repeated HE WAS GETTING ON WITH THE JOB.

As he is making
such a cock op of that, god help us all if this goverment continues for 2 more years.

I have said to Carol Ann,
we are not NU CONS. Just a rejuvinated tory party with the same basic "principles" but with new policies suited to a different ecconomic climate.
Before you say "what policies" look at many that Labour have taken and implemented. Policies to put the countries financies in order, will be released in a future mandate.

A mandate that will be released in time for an election, and for the voters to decide upon, but not too early for Labour to steal.

Only labour had to change their name! because they would never have been elected with their past record.
Even with mistakes made and in fighting, plus, (what Labour never admit) recession, caused by world down turn. The tory party would still have be re-eleceted.

Exgaggerated spin and lies got this goverment elected.

DC is a novice at salesmanship, compaired with Blair, cambell, mandleson etc.

This goverment have only known good times.

Don't kid yourself that clever handling of the ecconomy, by GB is the reason for that.
World upturn in growth is responsible for most of it.

Even the Liberals, could have made better use of the money that has flowed in.

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 16 May 2008 11:02:02]

Mike Simpson
I see you think Gordon Brown will not lose sleep over the mess the country is in, how well you have read him, he has no conscience, he thinks only of how great he is...self praise no recommendation!

[Liz, Suffolk 16 May 2008 09:13:45]

Mike Simpson

If you watched the news this morning you will have heard that Dixons will be closing 80 of their stores. This is not selective amnesia - this is fact.

If you still think that Labour can steer us out of this mess, you are clearly deluded. This, Mike, is the onset of a recession which Mr Brown, as Chancellor, should have been seen coming.

[Mike Simpson 15 May 2008 17:47:47]

Mike Simpson.

At least when Dave becomes Prime Minister, he will have been elected.
Posted by: Liz, Suffolk 14 May 2008 13:37:28

Liz, suffolk - I know you and fellow NuCONS suffer from selective amnesia. What's your view on John Major? Don't worry by the way I have heard that David "Charlatan" Cameron's dodgy reputation as a salesman will be used to great effect to remind people how untrustworthy he would be if, god forbid, he was ever considered as a serious contender for the top job. The public deserves to know the truth about Dodgy Dave and how shallow and prickly he really is.

[Mike Simpson 15 May 2008 17:28:04]

Posted by: Stephen Williams 15 May 2008 13:46:21

Stephen, not convinced I'm afraid. I look forward to the presentation of substantive evidence to back up the accusation.. In the absence of such, it will be more proof of "Charlatan" Cameron being economical with the truth.

Posted by: Stephen Williams 15 May 2008 13:56:27

I don't think Gordon will be losing much sleep over some temporary bad headlines, now that Labour is back in business again having put to bed the 10p tax issue. How Shallow Dave must have been wishing that hadn't happened. Any champagne that the Eton Tory Toff (a.k.a "Charlatan" Cameron must have been wishing to crack open will have to be put on ice for rather a long while I'm afraid!

Seeing that you ask, I actually don't read the Mirror, I read various titles such as The Times, Guardian, Independent, FT, The Economist, etc. etc. I do think Maguire is normally spot on with his highly effective attacks on Eton Tory Toff "Charlatan" Cameron. Unlike some NuCONS I don't believe everything that's written in a Tory rag, hell-bent on trying to damage Labour at any opportunity.

[Stephen Williams 15 May 2008 13:56:27]

Seb,

The Labour bloggers will have to settle for the Mirror which after all is the most over biased paper regarding political allegiances; Kevin Maguire is a pussy cat when he appears on BBC2’s ‘the daily politics show’ compared to when he is up in his ivory tower writing his anti-Tory, pro-Labour propaganda in his Labour supporting surroundings.

The Times is apparently ‘sympathetic’ to Labour but you wouldn’t have thought it by the way they slag off the government at every given opportunity.

[Stephen Williams 15 May 2008 13:46:21]

Mike,

The facts were presented yesterday & anybody only had to watch Gordon Brown yesterday announcing the draft Queen's speech to see the evidence of him stealing Tory policies which David Cameron quite rightly pointed out yesterday in his response.

As David Cameron correctly pointed out yesterday, some of these policies ideas went back to 2006 so Gordon Brown must have thought that no body would notice as it was 2 years ago, other than the Tories of course.

[Stephen Williams 15 May 2008 13:35:25]

John,

I think John Cruddas was the other one who tried to stand (if my memory serves me right). Gordon Brown will always have to un-elected tag levelled at him because of the circumstances of his coronation last year but I don't want to appear pedantic like Peter Fife so this will be my last comment on this particular subject.

[Mike Simpson 15 May 2008 12:57:46]

Posted by: Stephen Williams 15 May 2008 09:48:02

Tory policies are that riddled with muddle, confusion and contradiction that Gordon Brown still feels the need to continuously steal them!

Stephen, Present me with the facts, rather than the bluster and I might actually believe in what you and fellow NuCON bloggers say; but I dare say that I will be holding my breath for a while, as it is abject nonsense, and downright lies, trotted out by "Charlatan" Cameron and repeated by Tory sympathisers.

[Mike Simpson 15 May 2008 12:53:08]

Posted by: Seb/uk 15 May 2008 12:33:10

Unlike some NuCON bloggers, I read a range of views and papers both online and in published form, and I don't unlike some blithely believe everything that's printed in the Daily Express and Daily Mail.

[Seb/uk 15 May 2008 12:33:10]

I was wondering which national newspaper's TMM,Mike Simpson,Craig,Rae,John delaney and all the other Labour worshipping blogger's would read these day's,even The Guardian has stopped supporting this shamble's of a government.

[John Delaney 15 May 2008 11:40:37]

Stephen Williams 15 May 2008 11:06:32

What is it you don't understand ther was two who tried to stand meacher and 1 other and they did not have the votes to secure a run thats life, unlike major a few stood and thats why it went on and on.

[Stephen Williams 15 May 2008 11:06:32]

John,

Agreed, yes he was un-opposed but there was never a Leadership/PM vote held by the PLP which is a fact that nobody can deny. You need to hold a vote for the sake of democracy otherwise you will be in the situation that we are in now whereby people openly resent Gordon Brown going about his business as PM without receiving a mandate of his own party let alone the British public.

Signing away more of our powers to the EU through the Lisbon Treaty was a prime example & one of many.

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 15 May 2008 10:30:17]

The PMQ's vote on Sky just reflects the mood of the nation, the same way it affected the Local Government Elections.
The vote is the truth but Labour supporters have the same difficuly as Brown in accepting the truth, and live in denial. Brown has crossed the Rubicon and there is no way back.

[John Delaney 15 May 2008 10:08:16]

Posted by: Stephen Williams 15 May 2008 09:34:49

he was elected unopposed nobody had the numbers to stand against him hence not a contest simple really is it not

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 15 May 2008 10:02:42]

Mr Happy up North
Get your support for Gordon in now, if the backbenchers have any sense on the Labour side they will be rid of him soon, the Labour candidate for Crewe and Nantwich appears to not have any support for him.
Brown says he is staying, he is carrying out his "vision for Britain"....well there goes the next election to the Conservatives, keep up the good work Gordon...self praise is no recommendation they say... but in this case he is an asset to the Conservatives.LOL

[John Delaney 15 May 2008 09:52:13]

Oh you have to laugh at some of the postings here! This one from an obvious Labour supporter made me laugh out loud "Tory policies are riddled with muddle, confusion and contradiction". Oh the irony!

Posted by: Phil 15 May 2008 07:27:37

There are not any tory polices so do you make us laugh please

[Stephen Williams 15 May 2008 09:48:02]

Mike,

Tory policies are that riddled with muddle, confusion and contradiction that Gordon Brown still feels the need to continuously steal them! The fact is that if we are to have Tory policies implemented by government then we should at least have a Tory government implementing them.

[Janey 15 May 2008 09:42:50]

Please don't remove the PMQs vote for the public. It's a great way for people who are not regular posters to express their views. I am certainly not a "young conservative technology buff", I'm a pensioner and carer. By the way, I voted for Cameron because the PM didn't give straight answers and as usual he just repeats the same prepared sentences.

[John Delaney 15 May 2008 09:38:22]

Dave, Wirral 14 May 2008 20:33:58

Reading your posts do send me to sleep because like all tories you forget to tell the truth it was so weak thats your leader so weak on policy

[Stephen Williams 15 May 2008 09:34:49]

The Morning Mail,

The Conservative Parliamentary Party held a leadership vote for Leader/PM back in 1990; The Labour Parliamentary Party never held a leadership vote for Leader/PM last year whatsoever.

John Major was elected by his party; Gordon Brown wasn’t elected by his party.

Quite simple really, isn’t it?

[Phil 15 May 2008 07:27:37]

Oh you have to laugh at some of the postings here! This one from an obvious Labour supporter made me laugh out loud "Tory policies are riddled with muddle, confusion and contradiction". Oh the irony!

[mr happy up north 15 May 2008 01:08:17]

why on earth does sky persist with that ridiculous pmqs vote on the politics page?

it is so obviously subject to some creative programming by young conservative technology buffs, no doubt.
it seems fraudulent to me and not worthy of sky as it is open to abuse.

[mr happy up north 15 May 2008 00:59:09]

what a pleasant surprise mr brown outshone cameron. i suggest gordon gets on with the job while the nucons have a long time to go and only jokes, soundbites and to offer the public.
i do hope mr cameron has a bumper joke book because without any sign of a policy or anything of any substance, he is going to need those jokes more than ever.

substance, Brown 10/10

substance cameron 0/10

[Dave, Wirral 14 May 2008 20:33:58]

Tony, Yorkshire

May I suggest the infamous " so what? " from Ed Balls during Cameron's response to the budget when highlighting that taxes are higher than ever on families to be edited into that magnificent collection of suggestions, as I feel that would be the icing on the cake so to speak.

[Bruce Hulmes 14 May 2008 19:47:30]

Morning Mail.
Well Labour did not pinch the Tory fiscal policy on coming to power, they just kept it or is that a lie made up by the right wing press.

[neither/niether 14 May 2008 19:14:26]

Tory policies are riddled with muddle, confusion and contradiction - why on earth would anyone want to steal them?!!!

Because Labour have none of their own! That's why Labour supporters are deserting them in droves.

[neither/niether 14 May 2008 19:05:06]

it was clearly evident he wasn't listening to expert opinion on the matter. A leader without substance who knows little about anything except PR or salemanship....

Posted by: The Morning Mail 14 May 2008 17:42:18

Sounds like you are talking about Blair, over Iraq.

[neither/niether 14 May 2008 18:52:44]

Gets boring having to keep repeating the same old reasons why Brown is a lousy Prime Minister.
We know he is a lier, because he has been doing it for 11 years, and is clear for all to see.

He accuses Cameron of being a chancer. Even if there was any truth in the claim, that's another reason why we should have confidence in him.

All successful companies have good salesmen, and strong management.

If they employ conmen they are soon caught out, ( as Brown is) and got rid of.

If the company doesn't grow, and become successful over the longer time and, treat it's customers fairly. The alternative is they buy elsewhere.

That's whats happening now, people are leaving the company that has cheated, and pulled the wool over their eyes.

Obviously I am talking about our country and it's people.

Labour is now a run down company, due to bad management.
Customers know the companies that don't deliver, when they promise, and have nothing to do with them.. That's Labour.

[mr happy up north 14 May 2008 18:30:34]

all those hours that mr brown spends hard at work and the input of the new young ministers has produced big dividends.
i was pleasantly surprised to see that all the things that most worry the public at this time, are being addressed.
i also note that the government have been big enough and brave enough to admit when they are wrong. after all, they are human and we live in fast changing times with many demands on our time.
politicians are under the spotlight more than ever before. ironically, some of the issues that annoy people are as a result of greater openness since the government came to power in 1997 with a promise to allow more scrutiny by the public.

what i feel is the real sea change for mr brown is that as much as he wanted to avoid punch and judy politics, he could only do that if the opposition played fair. mr cameron had an unfair advantage because
he didn'y play fair. mr cameron is prepared to say whatever anyone wants to hear and he is very good at manipulating the media.

sometimes at his press conferences, i do wonder why the press are not more searching in their questions and they allow him to use their lack of assertiveness and his knowledge of psychology to keep them in check.
american journalists wouldn't be so polite and mr cameron takes his cue from american politics.

the gloves are off now, it seems, because mr brown has realised that mr cameron just wasn't playing by the rules, so brown is now going to show more determination than before. he did a very good job of keeping control of things today and outshone cameron on all levels.

mr cameron has the brazen cheek to argue that labour has stolen his ideas, what he forgets to say is that he stole them from labour in the first place. but, who cares anyway, if it is what the people want and need it is the right thing to do.
you do have to be a bit of a chancer to say some of the things mr cameron says, but he doesn't care because he is all about the soundbite hitting the newsrooms and the naked lady tabloids that neanderthal men buy to look at the pictures and less educated women read for the headlines and celebrity gossip.
mr cameron has learnt the art of sounding and looking confident. i suspect he doesn't feel as confident as he looks.
i remember being advised by a marketing manager that if you sound and look confident you can sell anything to anyone.

that is what mr cameron tries to do, but what is he selling us? he exploits the black market, like delboy trotter, to sell us a pile of tripe. stylishly packaged, but tripe just the same.

i shall celebrate the fact that i no longer have to pay tax and i will be raising my martini glass to mr brown and his team. well done, boys and girls, a very good show.

[Victor, NW Kent 14 May 2008 18:17:29]

Mike

You and your form-mate have been really busy - 5 posts in a row. In 5 posts one might have expected one fact, one verifiable opinion, one real world thought - but no.

Brown's government have been stealing Conservative policies non-stop. Their own always result in failure or U-turn. But even the good policies they steal they mess up, like the Border Police.

Blair's lot achieved several things successfully but not after Iraq came along. The Brownies are one failure after another. Their own bank, Northern Rock, is amongst those who did not pass on the bank rate reduction to borrowers as Darling requested. Now there is a fact.

Their SOCA unit which was to target organised crime and attach the assets of criminals has been disbanded. It cost £400-million a year to run and raised £46-million in seizures. That is a typical New Labour "success".

[Victor, NW Kent 14 May 2008 18:04:49]

Morning Mail

If you were a betting man you would be the bookies' delight, the man who always backed the lame horse.

[Salesman, Newcastle 14 May 2008 18:00:37]

TMM said..."Salesman are you David Cameron per chance...bori ng..boring, etc"

No.....I am someone who isn't selfish enough to crow as you have on another blog about your £120 which you are taking on the back of 1.1 million of the poorest.

You are as much a socialist as the pope is jewish...

[Mike Simpson 14 May 2008 17:57:03]

Posted by: Stephen Williams 14 May 2008 16:49:47

Next you will be claiming that Labour has an insider in Conservative Central Office! If only Tory policies - for what we know of them (?) - were worth stealing. Cheap line, but totally lacking any conviction and/or substance. Tory policies are riddled with muddle, confusion and contradiction - why on earth would anyone want to steal them?!!!

Nice to see the NuCONS rattled, must be sad for them to see their "hero" failing to land any blows or punches - what a hopeless, weak inept man Shallow Dave is.

[Mike Simpson 14 May 2008 17:53:21]

Posted by: Dave Wells 14 May 2008 16:14:24

DW, one word sums you up perfectly - deluded. Will be nice to see how you NuCONS cope when David "Charlatan" Cameron's popularity goes down the plughole!

[The Morning Mail 14 May 2008 17:47:26]

Mike Simpson.

At least when Dave becomes Prime Minister, he will have been elected.

Most of Gordon's policies were pinched from the Conservatives anyway, which proves that Labour don't have an ounce of an idea between them. If they did, we wouldn't be in this mess.

Posted by: Liz, Suffolk 14 May 2008 13:37:28

Dear Liz what utter piffle. You may recall a Tory PM, John Major, took over from Mrs T without calling an election. Pinching policies from the Conservatives? Really didn't realise the NuCons had any!

[The Morning Mail 14 May 2008 17:42:18]

Dave Cammers was trying to act statesmanlike over Burma but it was clearly evident he wasn't listening to expert opinion on the matter. A leader without substance who knows little about anything except PR or salemanship....

[The Morning Mail 14 May 2008 17:40:41]

I have just copied TMM's post that the bi election is now a sure bet for labour. So that I can paste it back on here on Friday....lol

Posted by: Salesman, Newcastle 14 May 2008 17:10:06

Salesman are you David Cameron per chance. On a more serious note the Cons have not won a byelection in many years. It is an opportunity for the Governing party to get a kicking as it was when Labour or the Liberals won every byelection when a Tory Government was in office. It is extremely unusual for the governing party to win a byelection but who knows what will happen. I am not a betting man unfortunately.

[Salesman, Newcastle 14 May 2008 17:10:06]

I have just copied TMM's post that the bi election is now a sure bet for labour. So that I can paste it back on here on Friday....lol

[Tony, Yorkshire 14 May 2008 16:58:52]

Dave - Wirral

That is an excellent idea about broadcasting the NewLabbers heckling Clegg as he tried to stick up for the 1.1 million Poor.

In fact, it might be an idea to make a whole video CD of the issue.

First we could open with all the NewLabbers cheering and cheering as the Poor and the Downtrodden got put in the frame by the Brown Budget of last year.

Then we can have Brown and Co in their subsequent TV appearances as they toured the studios, denying that the Poor would be affected at all.

Then we can have the NewLabber MP's jeering as Clegg tries to bring the plight of the Forgotten Poor to Brown's attention - ignored of course.

Then we can have the latest clip of Balls saying that Field acted dishonourably.

Balls calling the person who stuck up for the Poor as 'dishonourable ? A must-see within the video

Calling Field 'dishonourable' is a bit much even from those NewLabbers who never even knew the original priciples of the Labour Party.

Plenty more clips available to fill out a a hefty compilation no doubt.
Might even be a top seller over at
Newlab.Oppression of the Poor.com

Good thinking. The spectacle of NewLab forgetting their principles should be one for the history archives and for future exam questions.

Q In respect to the NewLab Tax Raid on the Poor Affair -
Name, analyse and comment on NewLab MP conduct and denials as contributory factors within the NewLab fall from power.

[Chris, Baildon 14 May 2008 16:51:56]

Posted by: The Morning Mail 14 May 2008 16:17:37

"Two years will be an eternity for NuCon supporters."

Never a truer word spoken - two more years of the failed Brown - not sure if the country will survive.

[Stephen Williams 14 May 2008 16:49:47]

Mike,

You really do amaze me quite frankly, Gordon Brown steals yet more Tory ideas for his draft Queen's speech & you still have the brass neck to say that David Cameron lacks substance.

Like I said before, you really are in your own little world.

[Chris, Baildon 14 May 2008 16:45:26]

Posted by: Mike Simpson 14 May 2008 15:30:08

Mike - "you believe David "Charlatan" Cameron is the biggest opportunist, chancer and bounder that the Conservative Party has ever had at its helm."

Opposition MPs are allowed to be Opportunist - please note the same root of the words, Opposition and Opportunist.

A chancer is someone who takes risks - David Cameron may or may not be one. However we know one thing, Gordon Brown cannot make any decisions, and just dithers over everything (not a good trait for a leader).

and as for bounder - dear boy - is he a cad as well? I say old boy, did you go to Eton? Not heard anyone by since (the great) Leslie Philips did his posh school boy routine.

The labour party is led by a failure, failed policies, failed economy, failed budget...
Gordon Brown is a political "dead man walking".

[Anon London 14 May 2008 16:35:50]

I think I may have spotted why Brown is reluctant to get drawn on air dropping aid to Burma.

British paratroopers are now unable to train by jumping from real planes because there are none left in the UK - so they are having to do the best they can using vertical wind tunnels.

The reason Brown cannot commit to air dropping aid to Burma is because we don't have any military aircraft left to do it.

[Iain London 14 May 2008 16:32:18]

Although i think Nick Clegg was the best today as i think Cameron only started to be bothered about the 10p tax rate and the low paid when he realised he make political capital of it. When will someone tell Gordon Brown that if the 80s & 90s global economic down turns were the fault of the Tories then on the other hand claim the global ecominic downturn is the fault of outside influences if one is the fault of the tories then the other is the fault of Gordon Brown and Labour, Can't have it both ways chaps!!!

[Liz, Suffolk 14 May 2008 16:29:00]

Change the record, Mike Simpson. We know you hate the NuCons (as you call them) but the results of the by-election in Crewe and Nantwich will speak for themselves.

[The Morning Mail 14 May 2008 16:17:37]

MM

Nice to see you've gone quiet once the real specticle of the day started.

Another Brown re-launch. DC summed up what the rest of the country i thinking.

Surely you must be thinking GB is very close to crossing the point of no return where the only decent thing he'll do is limit the labour loses at the general election.

Posted by: in the know 14 May 2008 13:56:22

Gone quiet? You can't be that much in the know I'm enjoying the fine weather. You should get out more dear chap.

One cannot predict the outcome of the next election. A week is a long time in politics when anything can happen. Two years will be an eternity for NuCon supporters.

[Victor, NW Kent 14 May 2008 16:17:00]

Expert vote on PMQs

MacGuire - Brown 4.5, Cameron 2.5, Clegg 3.

Treneman [a fully sighted woman with excellent hearing]:

Cameron 4.5
Brown 2.5
Clegg 1.0

Producing a tie for first place.

[Dave Wells 14 May 2008 16:14:24]

Mike Simpson, I'm curious...

Do you think there are people reading your posts that suddenly get a light bulb moment - saying to themselves "Oh my god, Mike Simpson's right! Why couldn't I see it before...?".

Is that the reason you post in that manic, schizoid manner of yours?

Mike, sorry pal, but most of us are amazed at the sheer delirium displayed by your posts, and I for one feel embarrassed for you every time I read something you've written... I have to admit though, that doesn't stop me laughing at you.

Tell us, please, you are only joking aren't you; trying to create your own little New Labour 'character'...? You can't seriously be like that, can you?!

[Victor, NW Kent 14 May 2008 16:09:37]

Brian Stuck in the Muddle With You

Clegg should try to concentrate on what he is supposed to be doing - asking the PM questions. When he couples his first question every week with an attack on the Conservative Party - yes, every week - he will be scorned by them. At the moment he deserves all the flak he is getting and the scornful gaze of Chris Huhne in the next seat does not help him a lot.

I am trying to be objective about this but he rises each week in an apparent hissy fit of rage and storms straight in without waiting for the Speaker to call for quiet. He is not required to shout across a playground.

He also speaks entirely without any relieving wit and so appears so very sixth form serious.

[Mike Simpson 14 May 2008 15:30:08]

Gordon Brown is the one who lacks substance because he continues to steal Tory ideas.

Posted by: Stephen Williams 14 May 2008 14:02:38

Stephen, sadly for NuCONS like you the good times are over, and today marks the start of a concerted Government fightback. What is on offer from the Opposition? Answer - a leader who is an amateur pretendy contender for PM. David "Charlatan" Cameron is the biggest opportunist, chancer and bounder that the Conservative Party has ever had at its helm.

[Bruce Hulmes 14 May 2008 15:27:56]

I did not see this weeks
edition of comic book. So did anyone raise the question of what Miliband was insinuating in yesterdays report
about not ruling out military intervention in Burma to force the Burmese governments hands on relief supplies.
I take it we have a surplus of troops hidden somewhere ready to be be used to take the heat of Brown and we can borrow another £2.7 billion to pay for this relief.

[Madnurse 14 May 2008 15:25:55]

TJ:

It's not a gift really, it's been the same old PMQs with the same old Labour responses from the Stepford Crew post PMQs for many months now.

About thirty or so years ago, the BBC showed a recording of the previous year's boat race as that year, the boat race was on the 1st of April. Only one person noticed. I wonder if Sky showed a recording of a previous week's PMQs anyone would notice?

TJ, I did not have any takers sadly, however, I am prepared to offer a double up on next week's PMQs not being different from my previous posting of 10:29hrs. Any takers?

[Margaret, Essex 14 May 2008 15:15:10]

Dave Cameron's problem is that he is all style over substance and Blair 'lite' in every sense. He may be a good PR man but Prime Minister material, hardly!

[Pete, Scotland 14 May 2008 15:00:08]

It has come to something when a Governing party is ecstatic when their leader hasn't been pummelled, slapped down and generally humiliated.

[Khalid 14 May 2008 14:41:56]

Mr Speaker whilst wishing Rangers all the very best in their quest to keep the Scottish side of British football alive, I have no further meetings, and have no interest whatsoever in drivel known as new deal, as I have to convince Burma to allow [Valerie] & [Mark Ronson] deliver much need aid to the victims of natures effects.
Mr Speaker, as the nations’ little angels receive the brown diploma thus far as salesmanship, notwithstanding the weekly knockabout, is it any wonder the temperature within is somewhat [Hot, Hot, Hot] and unlike them many a utopia surrounding mistakes, [Buster Poindexter]shy’s away from matters pertaining affordable housing?
Mr Speaker, week in, week out the trouble you go to, to tell those sitting within that when someone is speaking they need to observe silence, yet they go about doing [Something Stupid], more often than not asking whether or not the person opposite agrees with something we all know he wont, yet forget about matters surrounding the burden of tax imposed upon our already overtaxed motorist, including of-course [Robbie Williams].
Mr Speaker, thus far as social care and the view that those wanting to be remain elected will not visit Crewe & Nantwich, surely the nation doesn’t care whether the meeting with the Dalai Lama is held at Downing Street or as nature intends, as the question should have been , what will he do to educate those that haven’t heard how wonderful the London Mayor Elect is doing considering the short time in office, circa 9 days insofar as to tackle crime, transport and affordable housing, notwithstanding Oyster.
Mr Speaker, as we go [Back to Black] to limit the free travel of our pensioners to hours that suit drivers of local taxes is not a matter of pride, but one that takes the focus from issues such as paternity maternity yet, we live in hope that one day [Amy Winehouse] might just strike a chord with our divine policy makers and bring about free TV Licence fro all to enjoy affordable travel and see her in concert.
To that end Mr Speaker; did you hear the one about the lady that didn’t know that the 10p tax bracket has caused so much upheaval that personal allowance have increased by £600 and she did a massive u turn ?

[Maureen 14 May 2008 14:35:38]

Desperate, desperate and desperate is the only word that applies to Gordon 'fake pm' Brown.

Clueless and lost in a world that really doesn't like him.

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 14 May 2008 14:34:04]

I wait with baited breath to hear Kevin Maguire say a bad word about his precious Gordon...LOL.
The only salesman I see is Gordon Brown trying to "flog" himself...give it up the game is over.

[Brian, Stuck in the muddle with you 14 May 2008 14:31:21]

I agree, the collective jeering from Labour when Nick Clegg was making his point about the 1.1 million people 'not' being compensated was truly disgusting.

It's seems the arogance of Ed Balls' "So what" comment is becoming contageous across the back benches at the moment.

And who ever it was who felt the PM should be credited for fixing the 10p tax thing A: he hasn't done a complete job of it as Nick Clegg was saying, and B: it was his cock up in the first place, but then in a culture of rewarding faliure, perhaps the pm is after a bonus by making as many cockups as he can and doing a half hearted job of fixing them when he gets exposed.

[Stephen Williams 14 May 2008 14:13:10]

Dave,

I agree with you totally on David slaughtering Gordon with his response to the pre-Queen's speech. I did however hear Gordon out to give him a chance but David's response will resonate greatly with floating voters as to who really has true substance & it certainly isn't Gordon or Labour.

[T.J. from Ireland 14 May 2008 14:13:00]

Posted by: Annabelle Thomson 14 May 2008 13:51:43

for pete's sake, that's utter nonsense. The Tories are afraid to reveal their policies in fear of them being exposed as being costly to people, and making them potentially worse off.

For 'Annabelle's' sake.
There's an old phrase:
"Monkey see!! Monkey do!!"

[Victor, NW Kent 14 May 2008 14:06:05]

Madnurse was 100% right about the reactions of Morning Mail and Mike Simpson - that is if they are actually two different boys.

They did launch their prewritten attacks with the same silly playground names as always. Their headmaster should not allow them so much time on the school's IT system during lesson hours. They might be doing that whilst the rest of the class is doing Critical Thinking or History or English Literature.

Brown was entirely predictable. He also has a small stock of phrases -Salesman - substance - 3 million - 15% - record repossessions. He has had to drop 2% inflation rate.

Clegg was really very, very bad - his worst performance so far.

The OBN "questions" were, one and all, bye-electioneering speechlets and mostly badly and haltingly delivered.

Later Cameron got really warmed up on the draft Queen's Speech and exposed Brown for what he is.

Alistair was lying down and a place was occupied by that strange youngster with the mascara who had a lot to say to Alan Johnson who did not seem to be amused. I am sure that Alan does not wear make-up.

[Stephen Williams 14 May 2008 14:02:38]

Mike,

Ah bless!! You really are in your own little world aren't you. It would be funny if it wasn't so pitiful.

If David Cameron lacks substance so much through effective policies than why does Gordon Brown feel the need to steal even more Tory policies for his pre-Queen's speech?

Gordon Brown is the one who lacks substance because he continues to steal Tory ideas.

[in the know 14 May 2008 13:56:22]

MM

Nice to see you've gone quiet once the real specticle of the day started.

Another Brown re-launch. DC summed up what the rest of the country i thinking.

Surely you must be thinking GB is very close to crossing the point of no return where the only decent thing he'll do is limit the labour loses at the general election.

[Annabelle Thomson 14 May 2008 13:51:43]

can understand why the Tories don't want to reveal their policies at this stage.

Every time they do release a policy that looks popular Labour pinches it!

Posted by: pete, Scotland 14 May 2008 13:31:19

for pete's sake, that's utter nonsense. The Tories are afraid to reveal their policies in fear of them being exposed as being costly to people, and making them potentially worse off.

[Steve, London 14 May 2008 13:51:28]

The lib dems always seem to hit the nail on the head much better than the tories at PMQs, much more incisive and intelligent/reasoned in their arguments.

David Cameron needs to ponder on the spirit and substance of the lib-dem questions; if he asked the same kind of questions in the same kind of way as the lib dems do, Gordon Brown wouldn't last 5 minutes.

Dave; get to the real detail and point out very specific problems like the lib dems do, and then make it look like you really mean it and that you're truly disgusted by what's happened; it's not just a 6th form debating chamber where all your mates can gang up against your opponent; you need to use incisive relevant logical arguments instead because it's not just MPs who are listening to you.

(oh, and Gordon; just carry on as you are at PMQs because we could do with a change of government in 2 years time, so keep on blithering on about the same old lies)

[Anon London 14 May 2008 13:48:41]

More commentators need to go for the government's throat over the 1 million plus poorest who still haven't been compensated for Brown's raid on their earnings.

This is a scandal of obscene proportions.

[Dave, Wirral 14 May 2008 13:44:04]

I am no fan of Nick Clegg, but the jeering he got from Labour MP's when raising the issue of the 1.1 million people that are still worse off after the "compensation" package yesterday was frankly disgusting.

I note that bottler completely skirted the issue and refused to answer it, no surprise there then.

If I was the Limp-Dems. then I would get a copy of that and blast it out from tannoys whilst campaigning, as there can be no bigger indicment or illustration of the contempt that Labour now hold with the electorate.

Oh and The Morning Mail, i am assuming that you didn't watch Cameron destroying Brown in the follow up to the pre-queens speach ( or whatever it is, spin mostly ) pointing out that most of the ideas came from the Conservatives or where re-hashes of previously failed policies as the government are now a vacuous waste of oxygen that are completely bereft of original ideas.

Pretty much a mirror image of their leader then.

[Liz, Suffolk 14 May 2008 13:37:28]

Mike Simpson.

At least when Dave becomes Prime Minister, he will have been elected.

Most of Gordon's policies were pinched from the Conservatives anyway, which proves that Labour don't have an ounce of an idea between them. If they did, we wouldn't be in this mess.

[pete, Scotland 14 May 2008 13:31:19]

I can understand why the Tories don't want to reveal their policies at this stage.

Every time they do release a policy that looks popular Labour pinches it!

[Mike Simpson 14 May 2008 13:25:34]

Well, what a performance from Gordon “Battler” Brown who slapped down David “Charlatan” Cameron with a swift left-hook, flooring him on the House of Commons and leaving Shallow Dave looking rather weak, lily-livered and limp-wristed. A bravura performance by all accounts and one following on from the highly successful tax changes is bound to signal a significant recovery and turnaround in the Government’s fortunes.

“Charlatan” Cameron being compared to a salesman, lacking substance was a masterstroke and sums up the Opposition Leader for the opportunist he so rightly is.

When Shallow Dave starts to act like a potential PM, perhaps then and only then will people take notice of him. Until that time, if it ever happens, he will be languishing on the Opposition benches like William Hague – an also ran Tory Leader who once had high hopes of becoming PM.

[PJ Bristol 14 May 2008 13:22:52]

Brown deserves credit for listening on the tax issue and delivering. I'm not a traditional Labour voter but I'm impressed and I do think he cares for the hard working men and woman who are struggling during the global downturn in the economy.

[Liz, Suffolk 14 May 2008 13:19:38]

I wonder where Alastair was today? Conspicuous by his absence.

[Dave Wells 14 May 2008 13:17:24]

"but I assume you are rattled that your leader under performed today." - Morning Mail.

Well, as usual, you'd be wrong.

[Stevie 14 May 2008 13:12:14]

You Labourites really are worried about Cameron aren't you.

I don't remember the Blairite bloggers ever being so concerned about their adversaries as you lot are now.

If nothing else, all of us bloggers (regardless of who we support) can agree that the up coming by-election is going to be quite exciting and something to look forward to.

Have you managed to buy it with tax cuts?, have you spun out a passable Queens speech with blatant theft of Tory policy, that'll bring your own doubters back on side?, will the Bank of Englands bleak prediction about inflation be foremost in the electorates mind in the polling booth?

We shall see!!

[The Morning Mail 14 May 2008 13:03:47]

Posted by: Dave Wells 14 May 2008 12:44:32

Dave Wells welcome to the blog from 'Most Haunted'?

You are entitled to your opinion but I assume you are rattled that your leader under performed today. It must be a quiet day on ConservativeHome today.....

[Dave Wells 14 May 2008 12:44:32]

"Brown the bruiser to Sham Cam 'stop being a salesman and start showing some substance'

Ouch that must have wounded the snake oil salesman, he visibly winced. it is true that David Shameron tries to make petty point scoring points rather than debate issues of policy or substance.

Cammers is a political pygmy, no more no less!"

Morning Mail - do you mind me asking how old you are? Posts like one you've just made do make me wonder sometimes...

I'm all for kids engaging in politics, but for god's sake if you've got nothing "grown up" to say then do keep quiet, there's a good boy.

[Susan Carruthers 14 May 2008 12:43:58]

I think a clear win for Brown over David Cameron today. Mr Brown, like him or loathe him, has gravitas in the chamber and makes Cameron and Clegg look mere backbenchers.

[Northernhousewife 14 May 2008 12:41:28]

No statement to the opposition even though the press gallery have it.
This happened yesterday.
Martin looked furious.
Either noone took any notice or he didn't do his job.

[peter, Scotland 14 May 2008 12:38:15]

Where are all the wannabees that normally sit on the bench with Brown?

Not distancing themselves are they?

[The Morning Mail 14 May 2008 12:32:33]

Morning Mail

Oh yes he turns voters of so much that voting was up 10% on 2004 in the recent local election kicking your favourite party received.

Definately the party of red (red bloody noses that is!)

Posted by: in the know 14 May 2008 12:11:37

Good name dear chap, 'in the know'. I will be convinced if that lead is sustained over the next 24 months. I have my doubts if that will happen!

[The Morning Mail 14 May 2008 12:24:55]

Brown the bruiser to Sham Cam 'stop being a salesman and start showing some substance'

Ouch that must have wounded the snake oil salesman, he visibly winced. it is true that David Shameron tries to make petty point scoring points rather than debate issues of policy or substance.

Cammers is a political pygmy, no more no less!

[T.J. from Ireland 14 May 2008 12:22:47]

Posted by: Madnurse 14 May 2008 10:29:16

Congratulations, spot on as usual, and it's not even finished yet
I take it you didn't get many takers??

[in the know 14 May 2008 12:11:37]

Morning Mail

Oh yes he turns voters of so much that voting was up 10% on 2004 in the recent local election kicking your favourite party received.

Definately the party of red (red bloody noses that is!)

[Madnurse 14 May 2008 11:56:03]

MM:

Good morning to you in the Garden of England.
When you go down hoping, hoping down in Kent....and all that. Great old song:-)

Doesn't Labour's PR department Email you and the other Labour supporters your statement direct from Milbank, so that you can post it from anywhere you like including Kent? :-))

Mmmm...Of course the other more sinister possibility is that, my Stepford analogy is more accurate than I ever thought it was and the robots are beamed the message from Milbank direct to their chip(The ones on their mother boards, not their shoulders) via satalite.
We will obey, We will obey, Labour is good, Labour is Good, Better dead than a toff!!
:-))

[The Morning Mail 14 May 2008 11:35:14]

Craig, Rae, Mike and Morning Mail will come on and post the prepared statement from Milbank, singing Mr Brown's praises and knocking Mr Cameron and calling him silly childish names.

Anyone care to have a small wager with me that the above won't happen?

Posted by: Madnurse 14 May 2008 10:29:16

Madnurse you make many assumptions. Milbank? At the moment I am in Kent and having a fine time. Looking forward to PMQ's when lightweight sub-intellectual and PR man Cam does his public school bully bit, always turns off the floating voter!

[Stevie 14 May 2008 11:32:30]

The Bank of England say 'Inflation set to rise and is going to get a lot worse before it gets better' some of it down to the governments tobacco and alcohol policy and taxes.

Unemployment figures jump by tens of thousands as companies feel the pinch.

House prices drop and continue to drop and unguarded government breifing documents suggest it's worse than we think it is.

Curbing public sector pay such as the police result in an epedemic of law breaking, anti social behaviour and murder in broad day light.

Uncontrolled immigration threatens to bring a halt to crop harvests as the immigrants setup home and aren't prepared to work when they can claim benefits.

Labour piers still try to hoodwink us the government are doing something about the price of fuel and therefore care, when all they're doing is postponing there own raise in the indefensible fuel duty thats crippling the country and driving up inflation.

Alistair Darling borrowing to fix his leaders mistake which they didn't even want to acknowledge to start with, but still keep repeating 'we are listening'.

I've been here before enough times and I'm old enough to recognise the slippery slope into government collapse.

I await Mr Broons tired worn out unsupportable responses to the regular ignored questions of the opposition with a bottle of Milk of Magnesia and some paracetamol, because Gordon Broon makes me sick.

[Bernard from Horsham 14 May 2008 10:49:07]

Graham
No he sholuld not. Gordo will just say no substance to Tory questions.

He should lead on the 2.7 million bribe.. because even now not everyone is compensated after the bribe.

[Madnurse 14 May 2008 10:29:16]

A message from the Ministry of the Obvious:

PMQs will today start with a condolence speech. As each party leader stands up to ask a question, they will associate themselves with the said speech.

From the Labour side, there will be planted questions which will amount to, aren't we good? The PM will say in effect, yes we are and we've thrown more money at it then those opposite ever would.

Mr Cameron will get up and ask his questions, they will not be answered, but the PM will read out a list of figures that echo how much money his government has thrown at every problem. His front bench will nod and say
"Oh Yes."

Mr Clegg will get up and ask his question, it may well be a good one but, sadly, no one will hear it, as no one in the house respects him and just shouts and jeers as he speaks.
The PM will just quote some more statistics even though he did not hear the question put.

All other questions will be ducked, but more statistics will be quoted.

Craig, Rae, Mike and Morning Mail will come on and post the prepared statement from Milbank, singing Mr Brown's praises and knocking Mr Cameron and calling him silly childish names.

Anyone care to have a small wager with me that the above won't happen?

[Liz, Suffolk 14 May 2008 10:23:16]

I wonder how many sycophantic and time-wasting questions there will be for Brown from his Mutual Admiration Society (sorry, back-benchers) this week?

[Graham Doll 14 May 2008 09:42:38]

Cameron should ask him how he feels about being the only PM in 150 years not to have a waxwork made by Mme Tussauds, following an 84% vote against.