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British Cabinet Starts to Rebel Against Brown

After a bad week, PM's deputy suggests she wants to lead Britain

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted May 4, 2009 6:23 AM CDT

(Newser) – A disastrous week for Gordon Brown has reignited speculation that the British prime minister could be forced out of his job, as senior Labour figures struggled to rein in a restless party. After losing a vote on soldiers' rights and backing down on proposed reforms, Brown is facing renewed calls to step down, reports the Guardian.

Last week dozens of Labour MPs rebelled against the party line and delivered Brown's first ever defeat on a vote in Parliament. That and other recent missteps led several cabinet members to express their frustration with his leadership this weekend. Health secretary Alan Johnson is viewed as Brown’s most likely successor. He has denied such ambitions but added: "I am not saying there's no circumstances."

Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman wave to the audience at the end of the Labour Party Conference, in Manchester, northern England, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008.
Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman wave to the audience at the end of the Labour Party Conference, in Manchester, northern England, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008.   (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown with Health Secretary Alan Johnson, left, at Kings College hospital in London Monday Jan. 7, 2008. Johnson is seen as a possible successor to Brown if he resigns.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown with Health Secretary Alan Johnson, left, at Kings College hospital in London Monday Jan. 7, 2008. Johnson is seen as a possible successor to Brown if he resigns.   (AP Photo / Stefan Rousseau, PA)
Gordon Brown speaks during an Iraq investment reception with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, not seen, at 10 Downing Street in central London, Thursday, April 30, 2009.
Gordon Brown speaks during an Iraq investment reception with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, not seen, at 10 Downing Street in central London, Thursday, April 30, 2009.   (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, Pool)
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown stands on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street, ahead of his meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, in London, Thursday, April 30, 2009.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown stands on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street, ahead of his meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, in London, Thursday, April 30, 2009.   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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