Brown’s a ditherer, says Straw

Ok, so Jack Straw may not quite have used the word “ditherer”, but here’s what he has to say about the PM in a Channel 4 documentary, aired tomorrow: “[Brown is] someone who is cautious in his decision-making.”  Apparently, that’s in stark contrast to Blair, who was “a much more instinctive decision-maker”.

Jacqui Smith and the Labour deputy chief whip, Nick Brown, weigh in with their thoughts on the election-that-wasn’t as well.  They’re less than kind.  But Straw’s words are the ones that will upset No.10 the most.  Until now, he’s been largely supportive of our Dear Leader – at least in public.  So this represents the first real sign that he might be prepared to take on that caretaker leader role that many have earmarked for him.

I still think the wise money’s on Brown hanging on until 2010.  But when yet another leading minister attacks Brown’s character, it’s not unreasonable to think otherwise.