Summary
Perhaps worse, his resignation suggests a disillusionment at the highest level with the present toxic environment. This week's resignations are not over any point of principle: they are about the prospect of powerlessness and defeat. Figures such as Purnell will hope to strengthen their position for the leadership battle, whenever it comes; Labour politicians of his generation are still young enough to ride out a period in opposition.
Others, including Defence Secretary John Hutton, who resigned today, want to get out of politics altogether: his generation know that they are unlikely to be in power again after a general election defeat, especially a big one. The fact that Mr Hutton put his career first on a day when dead British soldiers arrive home from Afghanistan underlines the selfishness of such calculations.See the full content of this document
Extract
Falling apart at the seams [Edition 2]
Just how big that defeat could be will become clearer a...
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