When dealing with stories emanating from "Senior Ministers," "Downing Street sources", "Friends of the Prime Minister" and the like, it is never particularly advisable to take things at face value. Such, I think, is the case with today's Guardian story asserting that Tony Blair will "go early" if anyone at No 10 is charged over the cash-for-honours affair.Now don't get me wrong. I don't doubt for a moment that Patrick Wintour's story is accurate, in the sense that (i) someone fairly senior said this to him, and (ii) that Blair would indeed quit if one of his key aides faced charges. He could hardly do otherwise.
But what I am questioning is why someone close to Blair - and Wintour's contacts are pretty good in that sort of area - would want this information out in the open now, and specifically why a story speculating about the circumstances in which he could be forced to quit would be considered helpful.
It's just a thought - but I wonder if No 10 is playing the expectations game, deliberately setting the bar at "charges" so that, for instance, any further "arrests" involving his inner circle can be brushed aside.
My reason for asking this is that while I suspect that the cash-for-honours probe will eventually result in charges - the claims on Guido and elsewhere that they've found the smoking gun ring true to me - I also suspect that no charges will actually be brought until Blair has left No 10.
Why do I think that? Well, for no reason other than that if the Police and the CPS can somehow avoid embroiling themselves in the unedifying spectacle of unseating a democratically-elected leader, with all the inevitable constitutional flak that will entail, then what have they really got to lose by a few months' delay?
But let's just say for the sake of argument that Blair's people actually know, rather than just suspect, that this is the case. Well, if so, they know they can pretty safely promise that Blair will go early if charges are brought, without any fear of being made to deliver on the pledge.
As I said, it's just a thought....
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5 comments:
What is more likely that Wintour has used the old "industry expert"/"market observer"/"source close to the...." journalist method to grind some axes by packaging some "off-the-cuff" remark by "someone senior"--possibly himself to state the obvious and create a story to meet a deadline or a copy quota requirement where there's nothing new, or where something is obvious but no one wants to be quoted saying it...sounds like: "self-repeating", using David Icke's definition of journalists as "repeaters. Not original.
...But let's just say for the sake of argument that Blair's people actually know, rather than just suspect, that this is the case. Well, if so, they know they can pretty safely promise that Blair will go early if charges are brought, without any fear of being made to deliver on the pledge...
It's more than just a thought, Paul. I think it's on the money and one would have to back Guido on being 'in the know' on the smoking gun as well.
I think your insight is spot on. It shows just how depressing and manipulative the current system is. The circles within circles, double talk and spinning are extraordinary.
Hi Paul,
I've tried twice now to comment on this post but nothing has appeared.
Have you seen any messages from me, talking about the questions journalists might ask about what is going on?
Bernie R
Well, that last message appeared straight away, so I'll give it another go.
Suppose there is a conspiracy going on of the kind you suggest. Who in the police force has a sufficient interest in the welfare of Mr Blair or Labour to risk taking part? How could they arrange to have the thing delayed for that long? Who would need to be let in on the conspiracy, how could they prevent others finding out? Is there anyone in the police force who would be interested in exposing such a conspiracy?
If I was a journalist I think I would be trying to find answers to questions like these. Are there any journalists doing that sort of work these days?
Bernie R
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