British political news in brief
'You're hired,' Sugar told
LONDON – Gordon Brown has said “You’re Hired” to Sir Alan Sugar, the tycoon famous for his “You’re Fired!” put- downs on television show The Apprentice.
The prime minister has recruited the blunt-speaking Sugar to take on a business advisory role, specialising in small and medium-sized companies. This sector has been particularly badly hit by the worst economic downturn in decades.
Sugar (62) has become a household name by chairing the British version of the US show The Apprentice. The British series, which puts candidates through 12 weeks of business-related tasks in order to win a job with Sugar, is now in its fifth series.
Sugar’s fame and business acumen may help the government to sell its broader message to a sceptical public, but it could also fuel criticisms that Mr Brown should focus less on celebrity figures and more on political policy.
Mr Brown was mocked this week after he telephoned to check on the health of singer Susan Boyle who shot to fame in a TV talent show before being treated in a London clinic for exhaustion. – (Reuters)
Gibson triggers byelection
LONDON – Labour faces a further electoral test in the wake of a drubbing at local polls after MP Ian Gibson said he was quitting with immediate effect yesterday.
Mr Gibson’s decision will force a byelection in his Norwich North constituency, which he has held since 1997.
He had been told by an internal Labour committee reviewing parliamentary expense claims that he would not be allowed to defend his constituency at the next general election, due by June next year.
The party debarred Mr Gibson for selling his taxpayer-funded second home to his daughter at a price below market rates. He maintained he had not done anything improper, saying he had been judged against a conduct rule introduced after the property was sold. He said the party’s decision had left him “bowed but not broken”.
“However, I believe that my position as an MP between now and the next election is untenable.
“And after discussions with my family, colleagues, party members and my admirable staff, I have decided to tender my resignation as an MP with immediate effect and I expect it to be accepted.” – (Reuters)
Flint quits
LONDON – Britain’s Europe minister Caroline Flint has accused Gordon Brown of using women as “female window-dressing” in his government when she quit her post yesterday.
Ms Flint’s departure came less than a day after she declared her loyalty to Mr Brown following speculation that she would resign.
Her office released a copy of a strongly worded resignation letter to the prime minister in which she accused him of allowing few women colleagues into his inner circle.
“Several of the women attending cabinet, myself included, have been treated by you as little more than female window-dressing,” she wrote. “I am not willing to attend cabinet in a peripheral capacity any longer.” – (Reuters)