16.05.1996

Brown rides over doubts

Shadow chancellor Gordon Brown has been summoned by the Scottish executive committee of the Labour Party to explain his views on cuts in child benefit for 16 to 17-year olds.

Differences over Brown’s proposals have been bubbling under the surface for the last couple of weeks, with some on the Labour left complaining that this could be one ‘new’ Labour proposal too many. He has already been forced to say that this is only one possibility in an overall review of benefits.

The argument came into the open at Saturday’s monthly executive meeting. A motion was originally tabled by Glasgow Maryhill constituency condemning Brown and committing Labour to retaining benefits for teenagers who stay on at school. However, this was eventually watered down. Despite George Robertson’s eagerness to have it thrown out, the final motion was passed by 12 votes to 10. It noted with concern Brown’s announcement, in that it contradicted Labour’s commitment to the universality of benefits.

Brown’s supporters however are talking tough. One of them predicted that at the next Scottish executive meeting “he would wipe the floor” with those on the left who had moved to censure him. However, Brown’s opponents have a surprising and powerful ally in the shape of Peter Mandelson, the party’s election supremo and confidante of Tony Blair. It has recently been acknowledged publicly that there are differences between the two, particularly over the Child Benefit issue. It looks as if the saccharine smile and superficial unity of ‘new’ Labour has slipped slightly, but not enough to give Major much hope of renewing his tenancy at No 10.

Nancy Morelli