Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown have been angrily criticised by Labour MPs over their reported rift. During the Parliamentary Labour Party meeting on Monday, normally loyal members warned that the feuding could jeopardise Labour's election hopes.
Conservative co-chairman Liam Fox said the two men were like "self-obsessed schoolboys" who thought about themselves, not the future of Britain.
Do you believe there is a rift between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown? Are the reports damaging? Do they affect Labour's ability to lead the country?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
Your comments:
 | SUGGEST A DEBATE This topic was suggested by Andy Bird from Cheshire, UK:  How do people feel about the apparent rift between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown?  |
There is nothing more laughable than seeing Blair attempt to convince us that he never spoke to Brown about handing over power. It's been known for months and the statements from sources in Westminster confirming two meetings at which these conversations took place merely confirms what we've all known for ages: Blair cannot be trusted.
John Farmer, Henley-on-Thames, UK
The only Blair and Brown rift is the one the press has cooked up so the country will go against them
Andrew Walker, Solihull, Birmingham
| Infighting has always dogged the Labour Party |
Here we go. New Labour but same old story. Infighting has always dogged the Labour Party and it will returned to haunt them again. If they do not get this sorted out at all then I would expect Labour to sink back into opposition for nearly 18 years (the amount of time between the departure of Jim Callaghan and the arrival of Tony Blair at Downing Street), or even longer. Put your differences aside or risk losing the General Election, because no one wants a divided party to govern Britain.
Iain Langmaid, Lincoln Who cares? They're both from a society that has no connection with reality. They spend more money on houses than most people earn in a lifetime. Who cares whether they don't like each other. We're all too busy trying to make ends meet so they can enjoy the money they earn.
Dan Abbott, Manchester UK
Whilst we hear all this spin about rifts and animosity, look around, just who else is there to take either of these men's places, from within the Labour party or from any opposition? In the positions the right honourable gentlemen hold, it would not be good to be friends and chummy. There are little if any signs of true hatred or a war between them, only disagreement.
Iain Steven, Bridge of Weir, UK
The Blair/Brown playground spat over succession is yet another example of New Labour's arrogance and their contempt for the electorate. Hopefully, the two of them will remember soon that they hold elected posts and that Britain is not Blair's personal fiefdom, to hand over to another (or not) as he sees fit.
Simon Palmer, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK
I just wish for once there was some honesty - admit the rift and move on to how they can work together going forwards. There are far more important issues than two over inflated egos clashing.
Martin, London
Aren't there more important things in this world? They are acting like two little children. Grow up, guys! You're supposed to be LEADERS!
Susan Miller, Mold, UK I think that if arguably the two most important politicians in the government disagree, whether over personal issues or otherwise, it is a problem. There is no way that the pair will be working as effectively together now. That is damaging, if not to themselves or the Labour Party then to us as the electorate and citizens of this country.
Mark Dormon, London, UK
If this spat is true then it shows that they are missing the point. They are our servants and should do the job they do best and not simply seek the greatest power. If Mr Brown is such an excellent chancellor then maybe he should seek to remain in that position as that is where he can best serve this country.
Richard, UK
Both of these men have put their egos above the country's interests, and the Labour Party should be big enough to move on without them.
Veronica, Cardiff, UK
Damaging? Possibly. Pathetic? Certainly. Stop the playground fighting and govern the country.
Anonymous
Who cares if they can't stand the sight of each other so long as they continue to run the economy in the same (successful) way!
James Donald, Bristol, England
| These two are about as detached from the average person's values as it is possible to get |
Good for this country? These two are about as detached from the average person's values as it is possible to get. We need leaders that inspire us, not a government that is obsessed with control, political correctness and increased bureaucracy. No wonder I hear one or two friends a month talking of emigration plans - there's increasingly less to work for, or retire with in this country, thanks to New Labour.
Veronica, Cardiff, UK The rift is highly damaging. My prayer is to those who are causing this rift to stop forthwith. Any separation between Blair and Brown will have devastating effect on African poverty eradication. Trouble shooters should let them have peace of mind in order for them to free Africa from poverty as they promised.
Adigun Olosun, Southampton, UK (Nigerian)
I have very little interest in the alleged rift between Blair and Brown. I mean: they aren't the first people at the top of politics to disagree, and they won't be the last. It is quite a juicy story for the media, however. Still, perhaps Blair should dismiss all of the cabinet he doesn't get on with as wets and sack them?!
Ian, London
Just so long as the country is being run okay, frankly I don't give a damn. Only politician watchers and the media are bothered with this non-story. People are dying out there, that's a bit more important. On the internet, a troll is someone who says something outrageous to force a long pointless argument. It would seem trolls are running the media.
Geoff, Milton Keynes, UK
Who cares? It was a bit rich of Michael Howard to accuse them of schoolboy politics. The whole House of Commons acts like a bunch of school kids mostly. Why single out Messrs Blair and Brown for such criticism?
Alan Harrison, Sheffield, UK
| It damages the credibility of journalists much more |
It damages Labour somewhat, but it damages the credibility of journalists much more. People fall out in all walks of life... even newspapers and TV... but they can still work together. Come on you journos - do some hard work and go out and get a real story!
Martin Smith I find the rift between Blair and Brown childish and immature. They obviously have no interest in helping the people of Britain and the sooner they lose an election, the better. However, Michael Howard made a major mistake in sacking Boris Johnson. The Tories, really, still have no hope at the polls.
Edward, Winchester, UK
On the contrary, I believe this rift is strengthening the Labour Party by demonstrating that there is room for discussion and dissent within the party. It is also interesting that the opinion polls are claiming that the country supports a change of leader. This is healthy debate and necessary for any party to ensure that it does not become stale.
Gavin, Beverley, UK
This spat isn't about conflicting policy or anything involving the direction of the country, it is about Blair "allegedly" reneging on a deal with Brown. They are both clever blokes, Blair will know that Brown is sharpening his knives. All that remains to be seen is who stabs who in the back first.
Sven, Colne, UK
People seem to have missed the point. There is a rift, and it is important because Blair wants to pursue a New Labour third term (whatever that means) and Brown an Old Labour one. That matters to voters because the two approaches are different, and we should know what we're voting for (or against).
Tim, London
Rifts have always existed between and within political parties. I doubt this will ever change and do not see it as damaging. If nothing else it is amusing to watch the pair of them get a little hot under the collar.
Ann Douglas, Lancaster, UK
| Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have been a brilliant team in government |
In this country we are obsessed with popularity and trivia. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have been a brilliant team in government. So long as they do their jobs, does it matter if they aren't big mates? Let them get on with it.
Mike, Cardiff I just wish they would go round the back and sort it out rather than the handbags at 20 paces, which seems to be happening now. My money is on Brown!
Darren Drummond, Whitburn
If there is a rift between the two men it is merely a personality clash. They both support the same economic and social agenda which is to allow increased capital outflow from this country and to let the manufacturing sector die. All this is totally against the traditions of the Labour Party. Peace and public services is the only way forward for working people this century.
J, Lancaster
If Tony Blair doesn't resign then New Labour will lose many of its older voters, over the war in Iraq. Gordon Brown would put Labour back on track as a non-Conservative party. I for one have vowed never to vote Labour again while Blair still clings on to power.
Nat Inkson, Leeds, UK
Even a blind person can see that Brown and Blair don't get on, what will the next unity stunt be?! Watching these two in action has made politics more interesting than I can remember!
Ed, London
| The main advances of this government have been within the economy |
I've had enough of Blair and his presidential style of government. He's squandered a huge majority by bringing through very little real reform. The main advances of this government have been within the economy - so yes I'd vote for a Brown led Labour Party but not for Blair again. This is the issue: so the media are correct to push this division into the spotlight in an election year.
Frank, Bristol, UK Of course it's damaging. I can't understand why people on this forum think this is unimportant. If Blair's most senior colleague cannot trust him, why should anybody else?
Tim, UK
They are both suave, articulate, intelligent control freaks and, as we all know, like poles repel. Given the irresponsible, amoral, self absorbed culture of Britain today we have precisely the leaders we deserve. The Tories and Lib Dems are different only inasmuch as they are merely clumsy on the one hand and terminally naive on the other but with identical ambitions.
However we the people want desperately to be told comforting fairy stories and so we shall keep electing them; there are no other credible alternatives. The blind shall continue to lead the blind.
David and Valerea Thomas, Inverness, Scotland
I think this is a disgrace, it's really affecting my opinion of the Labour Party - I'm a student and deciding my vote.
Chris Davies, Cheshire
Who cares about Blair and Brown? After so many years of putting up tax after tax I'm voting Tory.
Antony Calvert, Wakefield, UK
As a Labour supporter it is a shame to see these two excellent politicians squabbling like school boy.
Brian O'Donovan, Fleet, Hampshire
| Our political system is nothing more than a front for class war |
I truly wish the British electorate would wake up and take responsibility for its government. It's time for us all to consider replacing the current antiquated form of government with a permanent non-political organisation which looks after the interests of the entire country and not a minority. Our political system is nothing more than a front for class war.
David Boiardi, London If the media hadn't latched on to this, how many of us would really be that bothered? I think the events of Boxing Day and the subsequent couple of weeks have reminded us all that there are much more important things than the career of a politician.
James, Milton Keynes
How on earth are we supposed to sell democracy to countries like Iraq if this is the kind of performance that it brings?
Ian, Milton Keynes, UK
Who cares if they have had a fall out? Adults do that, but are still capable of doing their jobs. I believe the press and the opposition are making the story bigger than it is. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are damned if they admit it and damned if they don't.
The sensationalist press are just eager for something to fill their pages and the Conservatives are so desperate for any attention at all that they will rub their hands in glee and try to continue the farce. It's funny that this rift only became apparent after it was mentioned in a book by a newspaper journalist. What good publicity for him.
Marilyn Perry, Hatfield, UK
Blair and Brown have done a very good job of running the country, but this rift shows an attitude of "me me me" between the two MPs, as if they both want the same cookie. If they were just to get on with their job, rather than starting petty squabbles, the country would be better off.
Luke, Rayne, Essex
| My sympathies are at the minute mostly with Mr Brown |
My sympathies are at the minute mostly with Mr Brown. Over the time he has been in power, Mr Blair has been nothing if not consistent; he is a consistently manipulative who seems to be in politics only for power. Look at what Tony has actually achieved, whilst he has had an enormous majority and could force through anything he wanted. Pensions, still in a mess. NHS, still shambolic and unfixed. Transport, still shambolic despite every opportunity to reform. Europe still rules us despite our politics and without the permission of the British people. Tony should go, or be gotten rid of; good though he is at staying in power, he's quite useless at actually ruling.
Dan H, Manchester, UK
It should be damaging but it probably will have little impact since the Conservative Party can't muster a decent alternative candidate. It is just very sad that our lives are run by these people whose personal ambition for power and vanity appears to come before all other matters. If Blair does intend to step down during the next parliament, he should stand down prior to the next election and give voters an honest choice of candidates rather than landing us with Brown by default.
Ian, Bradford, UK
Gordon Brown is one of the best Chancellors the UK has ever had. Look at his record. Tony Blair has led the Labour Party to two landslide victories. There is no rift. Everyone knows that this is a story created by the media. Bring back news reporting not fiction.
Carol Turner, Barry, Wales
So close to an election, the Labour Party is relying too heavily on the fact that there is no effective opposition in this country. There's only so much people are willing to take; surely they could have dealt with this more discretely.
Saira Sundar, London, UK
This sort of nonsense is exactly the reason why people are turning away from politics and deciding to abstain from voting. Mr Brown surely has higher ambitions, and he surely sees Mr Blair as an obstacle on his way to the top. Nothing more and nothing less. For his part, Mr Blair has made it as clear as he possibly could that the next opportunity for a vacancy at No 10 is four years down the line. Everything else is just political froth, there to make money for second rate authors, and to fill up the columns of newspapers, which in this new media age are short of real news to print.
Andrew Taylor, Nottingham, UK What rift? A book written by a newspaper journalist is hardly proof of anything. No sources are named, only weak circumstantial evidence is given and the idea of a deal being done to give the job of PM to another person is ludicrous. People who claim to know about the rift may well wish to apply their clairvoyance to better ends such as warning of natural disasters or picking lottery numbers. This book is a welcome distraction and bit of fun in the dog dreary months of winter but hardly the substance of a plot to topple Blair. And for those who think Brown is electable - think again - in my view, he would be a disaster as leader.
Clive, Milwaukee, USA
The rifts are nothing new, and the politically-minded public have been aware of their differences for some time. Only if the Conservatives retook their role as opposition back from the media and used this recent squabble to their advantage would it take on more serious implications for the Labour Party.
Graham, Dundee
The media makes it far more damaging than either Blair or Brown do. Personally, I don't care if they are at odds so long as the country is being run reasonably well, and it is, for the most part. Leave them alone to get on with it, and stop making a meal out of everything in the desire for more and more news, news, news!
Teresa Kasafir, Birmingham, UK
A rift between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown is obvious for the world to see and therefore should be ceased immediately. I actually have a lot of respect and time for Blair and none for Brown. I think Blair has done a good job and the emphasis is on the word done. Whether he is ill or just plain exhausted it is time for him to hand over the reigns but not to Brown. Come on Tony step aside and please, oh please take Brown with you!
Jon Tippett, Daventry, England
The rift is not damaging. If we had a realistic opposition we would be actually reading about politics - not soaps. The press and the opposition are letting us down if the only real story in politics is about a rift.
Keith White, Kent, UK
Like Blair, I'd be unhappy from time to time if I couldn't get pocket money for my latest toy. I can't stand either of them, but I'll admit that they've been good for the country.
Alex, Aylesbury
What a sad reflection on the state of British democracy when the only effective opposition to the government is the government itself.
Bob Sones, London, UK
I think this story is ridiculous. The press should just leave this story alone and get on and report other stories. If there is a rift between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, who cares? This won't affect the country at all! Or is this an idea of the press to try help the Conservatives into power?
Ciaran Tuttiett, Portsmouth, United Kingdom Anything that damages the Labour Party, and Tony Blair personally, can only be good for Britain!
Ian, Wolverhampton
Hopefully the damaging row between these two petulant children will split the Labour Party and we can get someone else in to repair the damage over which they have presided. The feud in itself doesn't affect Labour's ability to lead the country - if they spent more time fighting and bickering and less time introducing badly designed and inappropriate legislation (not to mention taxing anything in sight) we would all be better off.
John B, UK
| Lies, smears and innuendo. It's all propaganda |
The Blair Brown rift is another attempt by certain sections of the media to create a situation that doesn't exist. Knowing that most people have no way of verifying the facts, reporters feel free to make things up. Lies, smears and innuendo. It's all propaganda.
Chris Flanagan, Brighton, UK The rift, contrary to our intuition, is exactly what Blair and Brown want to portray to the public. It attempts to show that Brown is "different" from Blair and attempts to fool voters disgruntled with Blair to carry on voting for Labour, because Brown is the "good guy" and there is a chance he will become Prime Minister. However, if we look more closely, the difference in terms of ideology, vision and policy between Blair and Brown is in fact zero.
Loy, Cambridge, UK
Well, well if you believe the comments here, it's much ado about nothing! Labour MPs are up in arms about nowt! Their special meeting today was just a figment of the Tory Press imagination!
Bill Peabody, London
| It's time Blair made way for an honest politician who has shown that he is capable |
Tony Blair has behaved terribly. It is quite clear that there was a deal regarding the leadership, and Tony Blair has made a mockery of Brown by breaking it. Blair has lost all public trust and it's time he made way for an honest politician who has shown that he is capable, and would run the country based on good governance, and not media soundbites! Gordon Brown has waited long enough!
Peter Roberts, Bath, UK I couldn't care less, to be honest. As long as it doesn't affect the day to day running of the country I have no interest in politicians' working relationships.
Madeleine, London, UK
Seems to me that this is a great build-up to the next election. What's the betting that Tony and Gordon become the best of friends shortly before election day!
Les Woods, Lincoln, UK
There is an old saying the there is no such thing as bad publicity . . .
Eduard, Richmond, Surrey, UK
Prime Ministers and their Chancellors have always lived in a state of tension, inevitably because Prime Ministers would like to spend unlimited money and Chancellors are there to stop them. The damage cause by the current rumours, if any, will be the result of media speculation. The press simply love politicians to squabble. I'm just fed up with it all and only wish the BBC would turn its mind to other more important and interesting matters.
David Bothwell, Southampton, UK Hard to know for sure, but there is enough smoke for the international press to have taken note. That makes it damaging, affecting the perceived strength of the government (and perhaps leading to a lower value for the pound). Labour will only be 'affected' if the reports are true. By their behaviour over the next few months it will become clear whether these two can continue to work together - but 'selling' that they will, and after the election proving otherwise, would be the worst - and most likely - outcome.
Adam Gilinsky, Scotland
| The press should stop acting like children and tell the country the important events |
I do believe that there is a problem in the relationship between Blair and Brown but I think that they are far too motivated and professional to let it seriously effect their job. I think that the right-wing anti-Labour press in this country are just determined to oust this Labour government. The press should stop acting like children and tell the country the important events that are occurring, not just pathetic speculation.
Steve, Brighton What an edifying spectacle, Tony Blair (Prime Minister of Great Britain) and Gordon Brown (Chancellor ) running around the global stage like two spoilt children fighting over a toy. The fact that hundred of thousands of people have died and many more will die if the world does not get its act together seems to have passed them by. Maybe John Prescott would like to join the show and carry out one of his party pieces like brawling in public. These people do not deserve to be Parliament, let alone in Government.
Chris Parker, Buckingham
I put as much faith in the "rift" rumours as I do in gossip about which celebrities are supposedly dating. It's all based on hearsay and is unimportant. The media are feeling great after their scalping of Blunkett, and just want to cause more trouble for the government.
Tony S, UK
It is patently obvious to anyone who's ever met another human being that Blair and Brown cannot stand each other, and no amount of half-hearted indirect denials will change that. I hope it won't ever happen, but if Brown ever becomes leader of the Labour Party instead of Blair any electoral honeymoon will be over and the wilderness years will begin again for Labour.
Matthew Duckworth, London, England At the end of the day, it all comes down to credibility. Brown has little, Blair has none.
Ian, Brit in USA
Let us just hope that whatever differences they have, they put them aside for the time being and lead our party to success in the coming election.
Brendan Chilton, Great Britain
Why is it considered news that the Chancellor has ambitions to be Prime Minister? Surely the same could be said of most of his predecessors in the job?
Simon, Poole
Not until after the election. If Brown is sacked, the party will move into two camps and new labour will fall apart. If, however, Brown remains chancellor, the party will divide into two camps and...
Frank, Egham, UK
We are told that Gordon is upset because Tony hasn't yet moved aside and handed him the job of Prime Minister as promised. What should really worry us of course is the fact that Tony seems to think that the job of Prime Minister of our country is his to give. Surely in a democracy the people elect their leader? I don't remember electing Tony Blair as President with power to appoint the Prime minister
P Whiteaker, High Wycombe, UK Mr Brown should either ask for a vote of no confidence in Mr Blair in the House of Commons or else tell his people to shut up and get on with their jobs!
Stephen Fox, Leeds, UK
Who cares? With luck they will both be on the opposition benches, out of harms way very soon.
John, France
If it wasn't this pair of political primadonnas it would be some other pair back stabbing each other. Politicians are only out for what they can get for themselves!
George Blackmore, Canada/Wales
Actions are what count. Blair has not sacked Brown; Brown has not resigned or tried a coup. What they may have said about each others respective ambitions is less important.
Colin Allott, Hull, England
Why should Tony Blair appoint a successor? It should be the electorate that does that.
Martin, Whitehaven, UK
All the reporting on this seems to be based on the idea that the successor to the prime minister is in the gift of the out going one. Surely this is nonsense.
Don Clarke, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
I fancy that Brown isn't the only one who wants Blair's job. Politicians always act this way.
Andrew H, London, UK
Yesterday Blair said others thought that the public had lost faith in him. Well I have some news for him; none of us trust or believe a word he says. It is not Labour we want rid of; it is him!
John Paget, Cinderford, UK
This isn't news it's pure speculation from the press and media desperate for any tittle tattle to fill their papers or news programs.
John Lee, UK
There is a rift and it does affect Labour's continuing inability to correctly lead the country because New Labour is a contradiction in terms anyway and when its opposing components finally turn on one another totally the game is finally up. The end has also come because Gordon Brown has no charisma, so that the whole notion of his becoming prime minister is a fantasy anyway. As for Tony Blair, well how long can the British public spit in its own face saying that everything is fine and good. The sickness prevails but not for long.
Elisa, London
| Brown's heavy weight political career is already over |
I believe that the damage has already been done. Blair will be unpopular for getting rid of Brown now, so won't. If Blair wins the next general election, Brown will be gone in the reshuffle. If Blair doesn't win, Brown will be gone. It's all pretty much a moot point. Brown's heavy weight political career is already over.
Gareth Crawshaw, Oleny, UK If I remember correctly, when the Labour government won the election Mr Blair was, and still is, the head of that party. Whilst we vote for a party rather than an individual a lot of the support Labour won was because of Tony Blair. Therefore Gordon Brown's ambition to be the PM is of no consequence, he is not the man people voted as their leader.
Lauren Castle, Sale, Cheshire
Soap opera trivia pumped out by the media, aided and abetted by the Tories.
Stephen, Surrey
Michael Howard is correct. You cannot trust Blair to tell the truth about anything. The fact that he appears to have mislead Brown is no different than his misleading the country over the Iraq war. The country would be far better off with Brown as PM.
Roger Smith, UK
Not interested. This is all about producing copy for newspapers. When will the media start reporting real issues?
Andy, UK
This so-called rift in the government seems like wishful thinking on the part of its detractors. Put this into perspective: the opposition have had to change their leader three times since Blair took over, and still have enough problems of their own. Those who live in glass houses...
Brendan Fernandes, UK
I've worked with plenty of people I've disliked and in some cases positively despised. However, we still got the job done because we were professionals who knew that not getting on with your colleagues was no bar to doing a good job. I'd hope the same could be said about Mr Blair and Mr Brown.
Bill, UK
| Labour would never be so successful without Blair |
Labour would never be so successful without Blair. He is the voice of realism, and any marked shift to the left under Brown may well appeal to the Labour stalwarts, but at the expense of the voters. I will not be voting for Labour this time, perversely, because I see the re-dawning of long-abandoned hard left policies, e.g. Ken, and I suspect that Galloway will be back before long.
Laurence P, Harrow, England This squabble is only too illustrative of what is wrong with the present government. They treat everyone, from parliament to public, with complete disdain and are so obsessed with themselves that they are incapable of serving; the role of public servants. They need a very firm reminder that it is they who are accountable to us: not vice-versa.
David Jones, Peterborough, UK
It depends on the outcome. Brown is electable whereas Blair is damaged goods.
Jules, Aberdeen, UK
| Arrogance has no place in anyone who claims to be a leader |
Yes, there is a rift and we, the public, know about it. We have all seen the way Tony Blair can, apparently without shame, go back on anything he said before that becomes uncomfortable later on. Notice how WMD in Iraq slipped into being WMD programs, etc. Gordon Brown is clearly an ambitious and frustrated man. Not only must we ask if these traits affect Labour's ability to lead the country we must seriously ask whether either of these two men is fit to lead the country when it is clear that their own personal self interest overrides the duty they should have to serve the country. Arrogance has no place in anyone who claims to be a leader.
Colin, Lincoln, UK I certainly hope so - they are playing Tweedledum and Tweedledee while depriving us of civil liberties that go back to the Magna Carta and imposing the highest taxes in the country's history. Its time for them and this dangerously authoritarian government to find their place in the dustbin of history.
Tom, London
The body language and verbal innuendo fully indicate the existence of a deep rift. New labour came to power on a united front and they would never had been elected otherwise. Internal politicking drains the energy and clouds the vision more than any other power related activity so the quality of government is bound to suffer and the cabinet will be split in two camps. Unfortunately, they are not school boys but are the most senior leaders in Britain. We get the feeling that the d�nouement of this saga is close.
Charles, Sao Paulo, Brazil
I don't really care who runs the labour party at the moment. As a long term Labour voter I currently see myself voting Lib Dem at the next election because I can't bring myself to continue to vote Labour. Basically I don't think this is any more damaging to the Labour Party than the war in Iraq, the way they tried to stop Ken Livingston becoming mayor of London, the way the fireman's strike was handled or any of the other things that have made me think they're nearly as bad as the Tories would be in power.
Louis Counter, London
As I've never believed that they stood for the same things it doesn't concern me at all. The media however seems to be obsessed with finding political differences between party members and seems to regard government ministers who think differently to each other as a huge deal. Personally I want politicians who have different goals and targets - there has to be room for debate and compromise within the parties else they'll achieve nothing.
David Priddy, Slough, UK
What rift? All the sources are unnamed. Until one of them comes out and says otherwise, there is no rift.
Paul, Durham
I can agree with Paul - who says there is a rift - I was never aware of one until the press decided it would be a good idea to promote the idea.
Catherine, Aberdeen
Yes. The reason is that the economy is in deep trouble as a result of Mr Brown, despite all the spin he puts on it. There will have to be significant tax rises soon to sort the problems out. This is the one thing that is a certain election looser and Mr Blair knows it.
JW, Coulsdon, Surrey
If there is one person in this country who has never had a disagreement with a colleague, then let them now speak. I don't think it really matters one jot whether there is any rivalry between them. Gordon Brown is clearly the finest chancellor this country has had in years steering the economy through a period of general stability unheard of in the 80s. I don't doubt he fancies the top job, and I don't doubt eventually he will get it. As a nation we should be grateful that we have two fine statesmen, one at the helm and one in reserve. The alternatives don't seem to be able to sort out one person with the capabilities to lead a chorus of "ring-a-ring-of-roses", let alone lead them to victory in the next election.
Jeremy, Kettering, England I don't care how much they hate each other as long as this time next year neither of them is prime minister.
E Severn, UK
As a former Conservative voter, now very much a Labour supporter I believe that the rift could be very damaging indeed. I wish Gordon Brown would just back off and realise that he would never command the respect and support that Tony Blair has got. To me Brown is the face of Old Labour, the same Old Labour that had a distinct inability to win general elections. The last thing this country needs is for this rift to allow Howard and co a key to the back door. Tony Blair should show him the red card.
Ed H, UK
The reports of the Brown Blair rift are certainly damaging to the Labour Party, but I can't help but feel that this is just the kind of thing politics in the UK needs right now - something to get people interested again. My own view is that we need an alternative to Tony Blair soon; I think Brown is a worthy successor.
Ashley Valentine, Wakefield, UK
| Both of these politicians have reached their use by date |
Both of these politicians have reached their use by date and this rift is merely an indication that it's time for a change. I don't think it will affect Labour's re-election chances, particularly if they give us a new PM and Chancellor as part of the Labour package...
Mo C, UK Blair and Brown are about as in tune as a piano with half the keys missing. The only direction this pair will lead the country is up the garden path, as they have done for the past seven years.
John T, Derbyshire, UK
It is not essential to like the people you work with; their personal relationship is unimportant. People are now so contemptuous of politicians generally that this alleged rift will have no political impact.
Anthony Thomas, Aberdeen, Scotland
"Self-obsessed schoolboys" who thought about themselves, not the future of Britain." Absolutely they are, but isn't this just indicative of politicians in general?
Dean, Maidenhead, UK
Gordon Brown should grow up. Stomping his feet and complaining that Tony stole his toys will not endear him to many people, no matter what your views of the current administration are. The job is probably his when it next comes up anyway, so he should just be patient. Remember what happened to Michael Heseltine!
Jamil, Sheffield
Do members of rock acts, artist groups, scientific organisations, armies or even your office have to like each other to work well? In all history, colleagues have moaned and even hated each other but got on to do the job!
Geoff, Bournemouth
Yet another example of the media trying the "mud sticks if you throw enough" technique. All that this story has done is further undermine my faith in British media to actually tell us the truth. If a newspaper reporter told me it was raining outside I would check for myself, in case he was merely trying to sell me a brolly!
Barry P, Havant, England
I have very little doubt that there has been some friction - few people can get on for that length of time without some discord. But I think the real source of trouble lies amongst gossipers who want to make something of it, usually for their own gain with little respect for the two men in question. Brown would make a very good if rather dull PM, but his government would not do so well because he would not have a chancellor of equal calibre. The status quo is best. Let them get on with it.
Simon, Southport, UK
The reports are damaging to Tony Blair personally because they reinforce the perception that he misleads people, and does so very effectively. From the Bernie Ecclestone affair, through the case for war with Iraq, and now to Gordon Brown it seems clear that he is not the "pretty straight sort of guy" he claims to be.
Eldon Sandys, Woking, UK
Rumours of a rift have been running for so long that I doubt there is any truth in any of them. I bet the truth of the matter was nothing more than a minor row over some small policy a few years ago and then all was okay with the world after that. All this media attention is little more than media hype which is doing more damage for Labour than any genuine rift between Gordon and Tony could ever do.
Aaron David Hall, Worcester, UK
It's just petty bickering, get over it you two, and focus on your jobs.
Steve Wilson, Nottingham, England
I, for one, welcome it. We may finally get some truth from this government, even if it is just to stab each other in the back. For too long have they closed ranks and protected their own interests.
Chris, UK
This is of zero value to most people. However, the fault lies with the media who are obsessed with relationships between politicians. It is time we had more responsible reporting by so called quality newspapers.
Peter Evans, Bristol, United Kingdom
Yes there is a rift and it has been going on for a long time. It is damaging to the Labour Party and the country. They are acting like spoiled kids. The Labour Party should have the courage to dump both of them. If the Labour Party won't then hopefully the country will.
Donald, Aberdeen
Are we really expecting the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to agree on everything like robots? As long as they are doing a good job for the country, I don't really care. It seems most of this is created by broadsheet hacks who want to create friction between the two because they cant think of anything else to write about. Surely there are more important things going on around the world that we need to worry about first.
Mark Gratton, Cowley, England
Not at all. I look around the area I live and see new hospital and school facilities being built year on year. That's the sort of thing ordinary people are concerned about, not the petty political squabbling at Westminster which (as usual) is being blown out of all proportion by the media.
Alan, Blackpool, UK
Some journalists decided that Gordon Brown was to be offered the premiership before the next election. This hasn't happened, so another journalist wrote a book about why something which was never going to happen hadn't happened. Some other journalists are very excited about all this. Please would media hacks all just shut up and find something interesting to talk about.
John Knight, Sheffield, UK
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