Has Brown blown it?

Image credit to Jeff J Mitchell

Gordon Brown has told the BBC’s Andrew Marr that he will not be calling a general election this autumn.

The Prime Minister stated that he wanted time to demonstrate his “vision” to the country, rather than hold a quick election based upon “competence.” The news comes as an ICM poll of 83 key constituencies gives the Conservatives a 6 point lead.

This is all very dramatic, and can only be viewed as huge loss of face for the Prime Minister, the government and The Labour Party. The BBC’s political editor Nick Robinson views the decision as a: “huge embarrassment for Gordon Brown.”

Brown was clearly limbering up for a snap poll, and his decision to drop in on Basra during the Tory’s conference week was a mistake. A lot of people are very angry about Iraq. The last Prime Minister lied to Parliament about it, and Brown has previously intimated that his government will stamp out the spin and manipulation.

Most people know that all politicians look good when flying to dangerous places overseas and shaking hands with soldiers. Brown tried to exploit the Iraqi tragedy for short term party political gain.

While the Prime Minister is probably genuine in his desire to demonstrate his “vision,” events may yet wreck his plans. A lot of economic commentators are gloomy about the future, while Bush may be tempted to “do” Iran while he can. These two factors could yet combine to finish Brown off.