Downing Street denies Brown-Darling rift

Downing Street denies Brown-Darling rift

Monday, 01, Sep 2008 05:30

Downing Street has been forced to deny a rift between prime minister Gordon Brown and chancellor Alistair Darling, after the latter's explosive interview with the Guardian over the weekend.

The controversy over the interview has continued to rumble along today, despite repeated attempts by the chancellor over the weekend to assure the public the Treasury and No 10 are on the same page.

"The prime minister and the chancellor are working very closely together and they are in close contact about dealing with the economic challenges we face," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

Mr Darling was forced to clarify his dire prediction of the economy on Saturday after it appeared to contradict more reassuring statements from the prime minister implying things would improve in the next six months.

The Jack Straw, justice secretary, was sent to television studios on Sunday to present the image of a united Cabinet.

Political analysts and anonymous party insiders are still offering different assessments of the interview's consequences. Some backbenchers are certainly calling for Mr Darling's resignation, but party insiders suggest the close relationship between the two men should protect Mr Darling's position.

Other sources are starting to focus on the role of schools secretary Ed Balls, to whom many are ascribing a spate of coverage about Mr Darling's vulnerability. Should Mr Darling remain secure in his job, sources say, Mr Balls could come under threat in any future reshuffle.

This option too remains a little far-fetched, with Mr Balls previously being considered one of the prime minister's most loyal lieutenants. Nevertheless, a speech Mr Balls gave on faith schools earlier in the year was interpreted by some as a pitch for the left wing of the party.