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Jack Straw says Gordon Brown is 'right man' to lead Labour

27/07/2008

Jack Straw has given his public backing to Gordon Brown in the wake of mounting speculation over the prime minister's future.

The justice secretary has moved to stress that Brown is "the right man" to be leading the Labour party even after the party's damaging by-election defeat in Glasgow East.

And while reports had claimed Mr Straw was likely to challenge Mr Brown for the party leadership, the former told the BBC the prime minister has his full support.

"I am absolutely convinced that Gordon Brown is the right man to be leading the Labour Party," Mr Straw said in a statement issued on Saturday.

"I was convinced of that when I was his campaign manager last year and nothing that has happened since has changed that view.

"The result in Glasgow East was obviously disappointing but it would be a big mistake for the Labour Party to now turn in on itself and indulge in a summer of introspection."

A number of Sunday newspapers have claimed former minister George Howarth, an ally of Mr Straw's, is canvassing support among Lancashire MPs for a leadership bid on Mr Straw's part.

However, Mr Howarth denied the reports, saying: "Jack is not up to anything. If anyone thinks I am collecting names for him, they are mistaken."

With Mr Brown on holiday with his family, former cabinet minister David Blunkett warned unhappy Labour MPs to fully consider the efficacy of a leadership change.

"The issues that affect people are not ones which divide the party or Gordon Brown from any potential successor," he told the BBC.

"Secondly, we don't have the mechanisms - we are not a hatchet job party like the Conservatives who can drop their leader literally at the drop of a hat.

"So grow up, don't go for what might be a popular quick fix that you couldn't actually put in place and let's actually combine in the way we know best and work out what will actually reach people."