Blair memo scorns Brown’s early performance

BRITISH prime minister Gordon Brown suffered another blow yesterday with the publication of a memo in which Tony Blair heaps scorn on his successor’s performance in office.

The memo, which the Mail on Sunday newspaper said was written by Blair to colleagues last year, sees the former prime minister accuse Brown’s government of “a lamentable confusion of tactics and strategy” and of failing to learn lessons.

Written in the aftermath of Brown’s decision not to call an early election that might have consolidated his leadership, the dispatch says poor decision-making has made Conservative leader David Cameron look substantial.

“The real problem was not the brilliance of the Tory conference, but the hubris and vacuity of our own. This meant the Tories, by having something to say on policy, appeared substantial and to represent the future,” Blair wrote.

“There has been a lamentable confusion of tactics and strategy.

“At present, there is every indication that the lessons will not be learnt.”

Blair’s office would not confirm or deny that he had written the memo.

“Tony Blair continues to be 100% supportive of Gordon Brown and the government,” a spokesman said.

Blair sent a watered-down version of the memo to Brown, the paper said.

Since the memo was written, things have only got worse for Brown, whose poll ratings make him the second most unpopular prime minister in modern British history.

There is widespread talk among Labour members of parliament of a potential challenge to Brown’s leadership if he cannot regain the confidence of the party.