Time to bring back Tony Blair, if Labour wishes to win at the next General Election that is. Indeed that may be all too late. The Tories may have the winning card in David Cameron. However, it will not take a sterling effort from Cameron to convince voters, since Labour messed up so catastrophically

Kurian Abraham, Southampton,

We've all enjoyed ten good years with labour and now that things are a bit sticky the fickle electorate are clamouring for change.
Bert,
10 good years! I take it, Bert, that you don't pay taxes, council tax or drive a car? If you did, you wouldn't be praising this lousy government and lousy PM.

Bob, Cowes, UK

Oh, by the way, I never mentioned the Lib Dems. That's 'cos they'll NEVER get in.

Nick, Sunny Sale, Imperialist England

I do not think you should kick a man when he is down. Let him get up and prove himself. If he doesn't kick the feet from under him.

Chris, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Running the UK economy on consumer over spending and personal debt has reached it's final limits. Brown Plc knew that would happen when the strategy was launched. Where do we get money for nothing from now? Housing spec has collapsed, Empire shut ages ago. Could have another war I suppose!!

Boris, Belgravia, London

Is it easier or more difficult to leave office when you haven't been elected to it in the first place.

Simon Marshland, Bath, UK

GB has been outed as power hungry. He does not want to seek a mandate to govern. He arrogantly imposes himself on his party and the country. He is afraid of being thrown out if an election is called. Fear of losing power honestly is not a quality for a leader. Leave that to Robert Mugabe.

Guy Winter, London,

Over 11 years, this government has eroded UK democracy, our personal freedom and privacy, short-changed our armed forces: and sold/taxed everything possible to fund their pet 'lost cause' projects. Change of direction now? Get lost.
Off to the pub now for a pint and a fag to calm down? Oh no!

MikeM, St. Albans, England

Socialism is an evil blot on the English landscape. Nothing will save their wicked ideology now except letting in another 5 million immigrants and converting them into British citizens so they can vote.

Richard K, Nottingham,

"All change at Crewe"!
They blame the negative election campaigning, but what could they do? Surely not stand on their record or cite Gordon Brown as a much loved trusty leader?
It's all up for ZaNuLab as they have totally lost the plot!

Roger Davies, Aberdovey, United Kingdom

I cannot believe all those contributors asking for a return of Blair. He was responsible for taking away our civil liberties. What of cash for honours? He sold us down river to the EU. Brown's mistake is that he is following the same agenda but does not have the presentation skills to sell it.

Ian, Bristol,

It all seems like a campaign to oust him to me.
Ms Dunnwoody was an icon that was very difficult to replace.
The economic success of the past decade cannot be rewritten nor can the present world downturn in trade be blamed on any one individual country, let alone the Brits.

Terry, Hereford, UK

Whatever one might think of Tony Blair's foreign policies he steered the ship with a firm hand on the helm... this would not have happened with Tony Blair still at No 10. My fear now is that neither the Tories or the Labour Party are able to sail this ship through the financial difficulites ahead.

Laura, Welwyn Garden City, Herts

We continue to prove that nothing will shift prejudice.There is nothing whatsoever Socialist about this government;never has been. Blair was Tory Lite. The gullible British public are now blindly voting back Tory Heavy. It is Tory philosophy which must be destroyed, especially in the Labour Party.

eric campbell, harrogate, uk

Mr Blair, drop what your doing and hurry home!

Save us from Cameron, Boris and the Conservative Party!

Mike C, London, UK

I am from labours south wales heartland - why has education deteriorated and the health service stagnated in my area over the last ten years. I am totally perplexed and disillusioned with this government.

Jeff P, Newport, Wales

The only chance he has of any recovery at all is to grant the voting public the Referendum they wish for over the E.U.Constitution/Lisbon Treaty. A private action against him over this is pending in the High Court and according to reports his defence of it is costing the tax payer £800,000.

Robert El-Cid., Kirk Ella., East Yorks.,

Brown and the Labour Government have in 10 years destroyed the British way of life. They have devalued marriage and family life by rewarding single parents, child mothers and people within our community who allege they are unable to work, and in the majority of cases are suffering from ' Lazyitis'.

John Feechan, Woodham Village, Co. Durham, England

I think everyone one agrees Labour should go, and for the few that continue to vote Labour i think Mental Health Hospitals should offer them accommodation. But the British pubilic should also realise that there are 3 other parties that could be elected, its does not have to be Consertvative/Labour

A.Duran, H/Pool,

The Labour party took over a strong economy when they came to power, rode their luck - and now things have gone pear shaped seem clueless about how to put things right. Both Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling seem only capable of devising more more covert ways of extracting money from tax payers

Gary Gardner, Ely, Cambridgeshire

Is anyone surprised?? After ten years in No 11 inflicting stealth tax after stealth tax, raiding the pension funds, selling the country's assets, dumping the country's gold and pouring billions down the greedy maw of the 'consultants' and lining his cronies pockets, did he really expect popularity?

Pu Li, Guangxi, PRC

I do not support any one party but would vote for the best choice at the time. I think Gordon Brown has made mistakes but he is not the only one in the labour party and he has not been PM for the last 10 years. I think the economy would have benefitted, had we adopted the Euro - Unity is Strength.

Kim Domnick, Torquay, UK

The problem is not Gordon Brown, it's the whole liberal - nanny state - no smoking in pubs - no smacking - save the foxes - high taxes poor services - human rights for everyone including criminals New Labour Party.
If Gordon was smart he would start cutting taxes NOW and cut pork belly spending.

Mark, Kent, England

Our P.M is a great guy?? -- He abolished the Pension Fund tax credits - collapse of Pension industry !!! Great at THEORIES! Pity he did not reverse the Pension Fund credits together with the10p tax rise!
how canyou blame him for the world phenomenon!!
Is PM not supposed to SOLVE problems ??????

cf, Northwood, Middx

Dear Sir/Madam
Please find enclosed my application for a visa to the planet that Gordon Brown and Margaret Beckett occupy. I would appreciate a rapid response to my application as I am very close to bankruptcy

Tom Mein, Chorafakia, Crete

It has to be said that Flash is starting to look more like a lame duck every day...roll on the election I say...

Joe, Belfast, Ireland

quot; . . . . . . that Mr Brown would himself offer to step down if he believed that doing so would help his party. "
<br/>
<br/>Shortly after, a squadron of pigs was seen over Whitehall.

R Bingham, Lauzun, France

We have a sure fire winner in giving labour woman a shot at PM!

Andi Richards, tunbridge wells,

If he wants to listen give us a referendum on the European Constitution

Richard, Newton Abbot,

A good MP in Hudds? I am from Hudds. i am a Tory, but most of my wife's family are Labour and they think he is a JOKE, and the sooner he goes the better. speaking to Labour supporters i think the only reason he is still around is that labour supporters don't see any local alt. that they like better

Chris, Huddersfield,

If you think Cameron will make a difference you're kidding yourself. This country is full of greedy self centred obnoxious brats, of all ages, that's why it's a toilet.

Stuart, Manchester, England

Mr. Brown could readily redeem himself, and his party, in the minds of the British voters by holding the promised referendum on Europe. I'm sure that by doing this he would be much more loved - whatever that means!

David, Cambridge, UK

James Purnell doesn't have enough experience. Straw won't be popular with the public. Alan Johnson is not want the country will vote for. Andy Burnham will not be taken seriously; a very weak figure. As a Labour supporter I believe Miliband should definitely step up to the job; after 2010.

Amber, Stevenage, England

Someone has suggested Ruth Kelly as a successor. She suggested that Parish Councils (yes, PARISH councils) should be able to fine us for riding our bikes on grass verges and setting up circuses.(Check this bizarre fact if you don't believe me.) She is therefore demonstrably,clinically certifiable.

eric campbell, harrogate, uk

Bert Wigan - nobody expects the PM to totally insulate us from the global crunch and yes - of course we are going to feel the squeeze. HOWEVER, if he had saved for a rainy day as the conservatives did, he could have given us SOME relief.
Instead, we are left to drown in tax during the downturn.

Tom, Liverpool, UK

People should keep it in mind that its general economic downturn all over the world and no leader in power will be able to do much about it. Basic commodity prices are going up because of oil and this wont change with a new leader in power. A change in power will not necessarily change bad times.

Abdul Qureshi, London,

Never mind a new Labour leader - we just need a General Election NOW so WE can actually vote and decide on who should lead this battered and bruised country. Everything is in such a mess now that even Dustin the Turkey, Ireland's Eurovision entry could do a better job than GB - the nil point!

Louise, Herts, UK

Browns thick mistakes..
1) Destroying private pensions while gold plating public sector pensions.
2) Setting up confused financial regulation system, leading to failure to handle Northern Rock crisis
3) Borrowing way too much dough, so going into downturn with a budget deficit around 3% of GDP

Wilberforce, London,

What is that saying ?. Oh yes, Going ,Going , GONE !!. And by that I mean the Labour Government not just Brown.

John, Woking, Surrey

P Baker,
are you kidding me? to consider someone on a 35,000 GBP salary as a high earner is ridiculous. house prices are ten times the average wage and living costs are insane. the highest band in the U.S. is 35% and that is after you are earning 180,000 GBP!

Alexander , London, England

Our P.M is a great guy and unfortunately prices have been rising and how canyou blame him for the world phenomenon.
No one from any party can control the current situation. Mr Brown needs more time to sort things out but the people in his own party are yelling all the time.Change the advisors now.

K.Balakumaran, London, U.K

Beckett! Perhaps a decendent Thomas? Who will rid us of this horrible Margaret and the rest of her ilk?

Brown couldn't change even if he was lashed to an Iron Maiden. Oh Margaret!

Mike Ganoes, London, England

Brown is good for the Tories, but bad for the country, Give Milliband a go for the countries sake

roger, london,

Considering GB is supposed to be listening to us I haven't had one reply off him, or one of his minions to my emails.

I've emailed David Cameron a couple of times about the enviroment and crime and I got a good reply off one of his people that would've taken somebody some time to do.

Richard Edwards, UK,

Surprised there are any Labour voters left - take him to a desert island plus all the benefit cheats and those too lazy to work - Bankrupt within a month!
Who would pay their benefits? BROWN?
Fed up with my taxes paying for immigrants and people on benefits more than I earn in the NHS

Margaret, Bristol, UK

I think the last person on this planet to give any advice on delvery or leadership is Margaret Beckett. She was never able to carry an office of state with any kind of competence. In both Defra and Foreign Office she was a 'flat tyre'. You know you have it and you can't go anywhere with it!

Sparks, uk,

I wonder how the millions of poor, who against the odds put away a few hundred or thousand pounds to avoid a totally destitute future under this iniquitous government, or the one to come, feel now that the SS are currently forcing them to pay back past benefits?

E, London, England

If he clings on to the very end it will almost be worth it to see the surviving creator of this loathsome government by headline,inaction,spin and profligacy booted out of office.
If he genuinely wanted to serve the nation he would chuck in the towel now and call an election.

philip, Ipswich,

Urgent PS. If I may. Don't send him to Brussels, there are enough failed, second-hand politicians here already. The Austrian Commissioner failed to be elected President of her country and then was handed the post as a consolation prize- which carries far more powers without the bother of elections

Chris Gillibrand, Brussels , Belgium

GB got double first (please see below)!! Gaining academic qualifcations (on paper) is no proof to be ABLE to deal with REALITY! What about Bill Gates left Harvard just after one year without finishing his study!
GB show us how you deal with and TURN AROUND Daily Price Rises!!

cf, Northwood, Middx

The sailing metaphor is quite interesting.

To change tack is to head in the same direction but on a slightly different course to best use the wind.

This should be contrasted with an actual 180-degree reverse of direction; which is what Labour needs.

They are still clueless.

Zen, London, Scotland

She is as bad as Brown ever was. Typical of the treacherous ilk of the labour cabinet. If she had any integrity herself, she would resign. I'm savouring every moment of this new labour implosion. Its absolutley succulent.

Mitch, Melbourne , Australia

In order to win the next general elections Mr Brown will have to sort:

high oil, gas, electricity & food prices. Immigration, bank charges, council tax, 10p tax, congestion charges, MPs expenses and many more.

bob, colchester, uk

Couldn't labour just leave altogether and disband?

Jo, London, UK

The voters of Crewe and Nantwich could not have said it clearer .
What the country wants is not less but more socialism . New Labour is dead . Full left ahead !!

D. Maguire , Darlington, UK

Is a change of tack stop taxing us to a standstill. Stop wasting our taxes, stop euro creep, getting serious about crime and anti social behaviour, tougher custodial sentences, clean hospitals, successful schools, no tax by the mile, no ID cards, cutting the welfare state, ditching tax credits. ?

TC, London,

As an outsider looking in, you seem confronted by the same divisive problems that we are, but you seem to have recourse as both parties don't advocate continuing accommodation of immigration, in our case, illegal immigration, and reciprocal diminution of citizen's rights. There is attendant cost.

Johnson, USA,

Brown has gopt a lot of bad press. There is a global economic downturn. People have forgotten the good times. He needs to listen and perhaps move away from the ultra careful economics and give people a break for a while. Cameron talks a lot, but what would he do if elected?

Hamad Lone, London, England

Lord Blair versus Lord Brown for the President of the EU in two years time. Anything Tony wants Gordon wants too. It should be a great contest.

John, Peterborough, UK

What! Blair to become pm again?What a horrible nightmare.I can just imagine Flash Blair coming to the rescue of brown It just could not happen..................could it?

steve, stockton on tees, Cleveland

Brown is useless and the UK Labour ought to exchange leader. Try and put Miliband in charge instead and see the result.

Get a younger leader like the other parties.

Lone de Strieker, Copenhagen, Denmark

You could NOT have made it up! Dictator Prudence U-Turn Brown
wangled his TV License and SKY subscription - to say nothing of thousands of pounds for a new kitchen - out of the poor tax payer.

They are all tarred with the same brush in the House of Conmen.

Reuben Camara, Morecambe, UK

GB should count his lucky stars, he has had so long in government because he, and Labour had Tony Blair as leader. If he had his way and been the leader after John Smith's death in 1994, he may have won one term for Labour, but being so uncharismatic and inept, never three terms.

Brian Roberts , Plymouth, UK

If this was a boxing match the referee would put the beaten up loser out of his misery. Brown is not liked in England, end of. Labour have lost sight of their true values. HMRC will be overworked come the next general election with all those Labour P45s. The gravy train has derailed at long last.

Paul, West Midlands,

There is no need to change tack; there's a desperate need to change the government of this country.

R.M., London, England

Gordon must stay on and not change a thing.

He's the best thing that has happened to us Conservative's in years!

Ethan, nr Dole Farm, UK

if the labour party did listen to us { the voters } then immigration would stop dead & a program of removal would start but it aint gonna happen also we would get the referendum we were promised but that aint gonna happen either, plus heaps other unwanted rubbish thats been imposed on us ,

taylor, herts,

GB seems to think the global economy is the reason for the bad election results. He must be on some other planet!! of course people realise some of our economic distress is due to global factors but now we are all being sqeezed we can see in stark detail the extent to which we are being fleeced.

david e smith, colwyn Bay, conwy

The PM lost an eye and a child he can recover from this. He is fighter and has patience and determination, intelligence (double first) and character. The man will win, and win big.

Joe Bank, London, England

I think that Tony Blair was a Tory 'plant' - to tell lies, hike taxes, let in countless immigrants, generally ruin the country - then at the crucial moment hand over the mess GB to sort out - knowing he would be totally out of his depth and ensuring the Cons. win the next election. Good one Tony.

Bob, Cowes, UK

It's the British peoples fault they're now suffering, through their own reckless greed and attitude to credit.
And, as shown by the publishing of MPs expenses; they're all corrupt or milking the system.
The British get the government they deserve; and I'm British, unfortunately.

Norman, Udine, Italy

If the past two weeks have been Mr Brown's 'fight back', all I can say is that it was difficult to tell.

He is now seen not merely as unpopular but, worse still for a politician, a laughing stock.

Gordon, just go.

Mark, Reading, UK

We've all enjoyed ten good years with labour and now that things are a bit sticky the fickle electorate are clamouring for change. Lets face it unless the prime ministers name happened to be Jesus he would not be able to do anything about the complex problems afflicting the western world.

Bert, wigan, england

With British people abandoning the country in the millions over immigration, being second class citizens in our own country, soaring taxes and political correctness and islam, its amazing anyone is voting labour.

Neil, London, UK

In order to get elected, Labour sold out and became 'New', effectively rendering Parliament without the stretch it needs to keep on its toes. There is no gadfly party, no voice of the ordinary people, just suits and wimmin -in -trousers. We have bland government as a result. This was predictable.

Gillian Booth, Glastonbury, England

GB must change? Like an eslatic band which once streched too far snaps and can never return, Labour has strained us all too far. I suspect even if from now on it followed all the right policies (No chance) - we are not longer listening. We want them gone. The sooner the better

Peter, Crawley, UK

What really scares me is that the general consensus is that Gordon is the best the Labour Party has and that there is no other serious contender. What does this say for the rest of the Party? To coin a Dads army phrase; "We're all doomed."

Phil, Warrington, England

Send him to the Lords or Brussels

Andy, colchester, uk

Why is everyone saying Brown must go, who would replace him? Whatever the party, these days politicians are only there for their own ends, they'll say and do whatever they can get away with to further their own career not for the good of society.

stephen klek, Stoke-on-Trent, UK

I have voted labourall my life up until now but would not vote for thema gain because they have destroyed the small businesses by there leglisations and entertaining the big 4 supermarkets leading to a virtual monopoly in the retail sector.

C Patel, bolron, uk

Leave poor Mr. Brown alone. He has waited 13 years for the top spot in the party and you want him to give it all up after less than year!

There is a heavy anti-Conservative bias in Britain so, once the current economic problems are resolved - the great Clunking Fist will be back!

Andre, Portland, USA

GB has not got the X factor when it comes to putting his point across. The issue concerning the economy, GB in every intereview blames the world crisis. We are not lnterested in the world only the UK he has been in charge of the economy and he needs to accept that he has failed to run the economy.

John, Wolverhampton, UK

One thing is certain. Under Cameron the rich will get decidely richer - he will look after his own type. The middle classes an the poor will get the crumbs by comparison. A leopard doesn't change its spots !!!.

P Baker, Andover, UK

I think Beckett means Gordon Brown must change jobs rather than "tack".

Neil, Gloucestershire, England

In his post-match analysis of the Crewe and Nantwich by-election, Gordon Brown said that the voters had sent a message that he must address the economic situation. He was half right .
They actually meant that someone should look at the economy, but certainly not him. He really doesn't get it.

Chris, Boutiers, France

Those who think taxing the rich is good ide let me tell you there are trillions on the Cayman Islands and Neatherlands Antillies that could be here employing people and creating wealth. Taxation moves funds and industry away like our car, enginerring, ship building, Manufacturing & talent overseas.

Jas, Alders, UK

Mrs Beckett. Just take a quick glance over where all the wealth is heading. take a quick peek at where all the tax is coming from ... then ask yourself .. why are the people abandoning us ... More to the point I believe they are wondering why you have abandoned them. I got out. Many more will too.

Joe, Geelong, VIC Australia

One sure way of getting the majority public vote is to have a tax rate higher than 40% for the high earners. It doesn't have to much higher (just a token amount) for people to react with their feet. Most ordinary working people would be highly sympathetic to this move.

P Baker, Andover, UK

Now the Labour Members of Parliament know what the Light Brigade felt like being ordered into batlle by a confused message. At least, they have the power to sack their commanding officer.

Chris Gillibrand, Brussels , Belgium

mr brown should realise, its not the economy ,its not the 10 p tax. its him, immigration and the complete lack of border controls, and of course the human rights bill, that is making this country turn against him, he is a gray man with no charisma , thats why we voted for boris he has an X factor

katy, london,

If GB went, who would be daft enough to replace him - it would be political suicide. Labour will not win the next election, whoever is leader. No politician would want to go down in history as a dud or 'the patsy' - but thats what they would be - working to TB's and GB's failed agenda.

winstonian, Darlington, UK

they cant change council tax now, because we are paying for scoungers and immigrants to milk the system, and there is no way out. He has masterminded this whole system, and he has to go now.

lissa, london,

I agree, lets find "Old Labour" renationalise all the essentials of life - Power, Gas BP etc.
The luxuries of life, like the BBC & other bodies that cost huge amounts, privatise or close down.
WE NEED A SEA CHANGE to sort out this country, stop worrying about the middle east, it will sort it'self

ABBY GRANT, London/Hammersmith, UK

In his budget speech in 1997 Gordon promised that he "would not allow house prices to get out of control." A decade on and we have had the worst housing bubble in history with tragic consequences that are hatching out all around us. As chancellor he should have acted more prudently.

R. Istbear, Warwick, UK

Brown sold off our gold reserves at a ridiculously low price.
He was elected by a Scottish electorate not by the electorate in England. He then prevents us from having a referendum on the European Treaty. Politicians must learn to cut their coat according to our cloth and listen to the people!

Trevor Dee, Torbay, UK

I dont want another unelected leader thanks, give us an election instead if GB steps down. I cant believe anything Labour says about reducing taxes, they will either just stab you in the back with the small print or hammer you the next time they get into power.

Ian, Bristol,

Blair's as responsible as Brown. This is not to do with Labour being socialist, as they clearly are not, nor to do with spending on public services, which is the duty of the government.
This is a result of greed, pure and simple- Blair with Brown as Chancellor pushing the myth that money=happiness

Adam, Brighton,

Blair couldn't afford the drop in salary!

Robert, Twickenham, Uk

We all know that Gordy is a listening Prime Minister, he has told us so many times. Well Gordy the people have spoken and the message can not be clearer, it is time for you to go, are you listening or have you suddenly gone deaf.

G Pickles, Leeds,

When Brown get the oil prices down for good as well as cut business costs and home costs,he made restore credibility in Labour. Gordon Brown should be courting the oil producing countries
To win the next election Gordon Brown must show he can do the job or Labour must go

Peter, Hastings, UK

Paul, Basingstoke, Labour are finished, live with it! The loony left have had the time to show us what they can do and what a god almighty mess. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

D Case, Newquay,

Cameron's speech today reminded me of Blair - right down to the gestures. Will it make a big difference if they are in govt? Not really. Our system works on the basis that we allow one party in, then we get fed up with them and try the other lot. Greater forces than govts usually change society.

IAN, LONDON,

Let's consider Ruth Kelly instead. I understand thst she's a serious Christian and, as such, should be able to lead the country to a better, safer society.

David Warner, Milton Keynes, England

The cost of living is going up day by day now and Brown is powerless to do anything about this in the short term. If that was not bad enough I would be completely depressed if I was a labour MP knowing that Brown would be the public face of the labour party during the next election.

mike lincoln, wakefield,

Gareth Crowhorne:

Can you not see the frustration amongst people that they cant elect the prime minister?
We vote for a political party based on its manifesto, something that this Government tore up long ago.
When the person in the top job changes, they should have to go to the country.

Dan Price, London, UK

Labour governments always end like this, bribing voters by splurging on the public sector until the piggy bank is empty. - its not a question of if, its a question of when.

Arnold Ward, Weybridge, Surrey, UK

Forgive me but I just don't get democracy.
If the military and corporations are run effectively on meritocracy why run a nation "democratically". Surely the only talents a democratic politician has are manipulation, the stall, the lie and verbal hypnosis. No wonder they wreck nations.

keith Bentham, wigan, uk

Make the most of it you good media, as you are very experienced good exaggerators, remeber it was the chice of
the pacifist-members of nu-Labour who wanted Mr G Brown-
as the UK-our PM, because the pacifist don't like fighting terrorism, as long as long as your own skin is safe :Ken

Cllr Ken Tiwari (Independent), Oxford , United Kingdom

This is Amazing... not one positive comment about Brown, normally there is a good mixture of positive and negative, no matter what the topic...

I wish I could find something nice to say but...
all I can think of is....

General Election Now Please!

Dan Price, London, UK

Please let Brown stay on as PM.

He's the best friend the SNP have got. He'll ensure the Tories win in Englandshire and that as a consequence of that Scotland will vote for independence.

DickW, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

10p tax palaver... Gordon Brown's own fault, although a trivial amount of money in comparison to the improvements for poorer workers thanks to Labour policies.

But fuel, food and energy prices? Just what is GB meant to have been doing for the last 11 years to prevent those from rising now?

Jason, Chelmsford,

We want and need a REAL Labour Party, not the excuse for one that we have had for the past 11 years. I would like to see renationalised Utilties, Royal Mail etc etc and a return to how good life was back in the 70's and 80's.(well I recall it was good !)

Steve, London, UK

With all three UK political Parties and MP in essence now being tarred now with the same brush, and all MPs being members of the self-preservation society, surely the time is now ripe for many Labour MPs to jump-ship and go across to the Tory Party?

Michael B, Bristol, UK

Joseph (Nottingham) :

It seems you are confusing the UK with the USA, where they elect a President.
Contrary to what you think, in the UK it IS for the Labour party (or whichever party is in government) to decide who is PM - that's how our system works. We elect a party - not a PM.

Gareth, Crowhorne, UK

Nobody voted him in, he inherited Blair's mess but does not have TB's strength of character or personality. Time to go GB...

Steve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Lets face it Gordon you are The Weakest Link - Goodbye and good riddence. So much for the grass being greener on the other side. No.10 must have looked so enticing from No.11 but in reality well the rest is history. Come on Gordon how about reducing the tax on petrol the govt coffers are well lubed?

michael, chelmsford, uk

It's the same old story with Brown and Blair. Both react to defeat and criticism by claiming they are 'defiant' in the face of opposition. This is not a mark of personal strength of character or resolve, it is pure arrogance and an 'I know best' self indulgence.

PR, Croydon, UK

I remember when I was a young lad I had to walk three miles to work and back again because my wages were so poor, today we have a nation of spoilt brats that want, want, want and blame anyone or anything when things go wrong.
We are in the middle of a recession so wake up dumbheads.

william thomson, lincoln, u k

It's the Labour Party that people want rid of - GB just happens to be the leader. Des of Edinburgh - when the election is called then and not before you'll know what the Tory policies are. I think that the SNP will make gains over Labour - Labour have had it - full stop.

Dr Ian Burgess, Bristol,

People have such short memories - people should remember 15% Tory interest rates, 3 million unemployed, 40,000 businesses going bust. The Tories destroyed our country and the same faces are still there!

Labour needs new leadership yes, but we can't afford Cameron the 2nd hand car salesman.

Paul, Basingstoke, UK

Labour's new car tax plans are the 'poll tax on wheels' Almost everyone in the country has to drive to work or take their children to school. There is no choice here. A retrospective tax back to 2001 is despicable and the sort of nasty desperate politics we used to see in the Tory party.Well done

Alasdair, Canterbury, England

There is nobody of any standing to lead the Labour party yet alone the Country. The Cabinet are a bunch of non-entities clinging to power inside the bunker. The hapless Chancellor is invisible despite the economic crisis. Put Country before personal interest and let us decide - election please.

Robinson, London,

It does look like he is following in Jack McConnell's footsteps, but a change of leader right now would not help Labour. He has to stay and suffer some more bi-election defeats, otherwise the story would be that the new leader could not win them. But what are the main Conservative policies?

Des, Edinburgh,

I dont think anyone really cares anymore in who runs the country, they are all full of false promises, all the hard working people of this country want is a bit more money in there pockets instead of the tax man!

ken newmarch, london, england

A member of the labour party,I shall vote labour ,because we have an excellent M.P.otherwise I would have abstained from voting for the first time .Mr Brown,having got there(P.M.) is not very happy in his job.I cannot see anyone else taking his place.Nor do I see Cameron,a lightweight. A sad future

james hazan, huddersfield, uk

If there was a better leader for the Labour Party, he or she would already be in the position. GB only got to be leader because of his deal with TB and because there was no obviously better contender.

Michael Hargrave, Surbiton, UK

This isn't just about Brown. Unless Labour starts actually representing the interests of the people against the rich and powerful, they'll be out. We've got tax-dodging non-dom billionaires and £100,000-a-year GPs, and the poorest have lost the 10p tax band. That speaks for itself.

Paul, Bath, UK

Car road tax in Spain for a 2.0 litre Ford Mondeo is 82 Euros (equal to £65). Its the same for a 2.0 litre Diesel Mercedes.

Enough said!

Kay, London, UK

Brown is obviously out of his depth. He wanted to be Labour Leader and Prime MInister and had to live in Blairs shadow. Blair jumped ship and Brown should have too but he wanted that title so much he was blind to the fact that he took over driving a lorry going downhill with no brakes. Will ruin him

John Morgan, Old Stratford, United Kingdom

Forget Brown. The real problem is the spineless Labour government that has allowed both Brown & Blair to preside over the disgraces that are Iraq, PFI and the erosion of civil liberties etc. A country that appoints dustbin inspectors and criminalises people for putting the bin out early is sick...

John, Eastbourne, UK

What use is there to TALK ABOUT policies etc, What is the Govt doing about Petrol , Food ..... price rises? If voters can see that these problems are getting solved then they can perceive that Mr Brown can do something to turn around,
ACTION not TALK.or EMPTY promises!

cf, Northwood, Middx

Please let Brown stay on as PM, he's the best asset the Tories have got.

Ken Chadwick, chorley, England

Presumably now that Brown is almost certain to be on his way out, the Government (so-called voice of the people) will do the honorable thing and LET US DECIDE who is PM and running our country.

It is not for Labour to decide.

I look forward to Prime Minister Cameron taking the helm!

Joseph, Nottingham, UK

It's ironic that Brown is in so much trouble now because of the credit crunch, which is a direct result of house prices getting out of control, precisely the scenario he said in 97 he would not allow to eventuate. The growth he takes credit for was based entirely on booming house prices.

Mark, Reading, UK

Please help me to explain to my Grandchildren what is the New Conservatism?

Brynley Davies, Chepstow,

Getting rid of Brown will make no difference.
It is Labour's policies of tax and spend that have dropped the country in it, as they always do.
It is NOT the "beginning of the end" for Labour, it IS the end .... period.
In the immortal words of The Rolling Stones, "It's All Over Now"

Trevor, Ipswich, Suffolk

When you ride fortune for 10 years, claiming it to be of your making, and do not share the profits of growth and merely spend it here there and everywhere this is what happens.

Jonny, Brighton, United Kingdom

I fear Prime Minister Brown was in Blairs' shadow for too long. Whenever he speaks his words are those of a failing Chancellor, not an aspiring Leader. He must take the rains of leadership or offer the role to someone more suited. If he fails to do either Labour will fall taking the UK with it.

James, Chelmsford, UK

New Labour's social democratic cloak was rudely ripped off by Brown's 10p tax debacle. It's revealed New Labour's ugly neoliberal body which has embraced the City of London and the world financial markets since the "prawn cocktail offensive" in the mid 1980's. Labour supporters now see the betrayal

Clive Peedell, Nr Bedale, UK

Labour still don't 'get it'. It is NOT Brown that is finished - it is Labour and their false god of socialism as an ideology. Socialistic policies inevitably result in a failed economy and it is irrelevant what the state of the wider, global economy is.

Labour is finished. Get out NOW!

Edwin, Bucharest,

its not just brown that must go its the whole Labour Party.
we need regime change in the Uk.
come on conservative.

saeed, london, uk

the trouble with voting is you always end up with someone that looks like a politician.

steve, perth, australia

Is Tony Blair busy at the moment...?

simon, London,

I am frustrated with the British public, it is not about what you say or charm people, it is about what you do, and how it affects the lives of the people. Blair told nothing but a pack of lies, most of which has come home to roost on Browns watch. Brown is an unassuming type of guy. He's lost.

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK

Listen to Brown's response again today. The same tired cliches, the same non answers to questions. He keeps telling us that he makes the 'right' decisions and that he is the 'right' man yet he never explains why. Does he think we haven't noticed? The man has no ideas and nothing to say. Go now.

Paul Owen, Birmingham, UK

And who takes Brown's place? None of the people mentioned in the article are really feasible. And were any of them to become leader, where do they find a new cabinet? Shuffling the present ministers would solve nothing; for the most part they, not the economic situation, are the problem.

Jeremy James, St. Maurice de Lignon, France

It's a shame as I always saw Brown as a superior bureaucrat to Blair. Someone whom I would trust more to do the right thing rather than the PR thing. To me it confirms that being a clever and able politician is nowhere as near as important as being able to say (but not do) the right thing.

Tim, HK, HK

I thought Democracy meant that the people got a choice of who to run their country. No one chose Gordon Brown to run our country and it's highly obvious that no one and I mean NO ONE (literally not a single person) wants him to run this country. If he cared, he'd go.

Jamie, Shanghai, China

I believe I speak for the majority of the British public on this matter...We DO NOT want another unelected prime minster. Whether you keep Mr Brown or find a new Labour leader, we dont really care, but call a GENERAL ELECTION!!

A Harris, Ketteing, UK

If only us Americans were as tough on our leaders! Most of the problems Brown is dealing with are related to the global economy. Our "GB" in the US CLEARLY caused the trouble we're in and we elect him for 2 terms!

Kevin, Maryland, USA

It would be a far better thing if he does decide to retire from politics. He has a young family to think about, and his health must have taken a battering as years as Chancellor, and the past months as PM. Nobody will think the worse of him, but they might if he hangs on to power no matter what!

B Clark, Chelmsford , England

Mr Brown has now become a libility to the NATION. I for one can not afford my council Tax. I am still trying to pay off last years plus this years. I have said if they have to put me in prison so be it I have not got the funds, I was in an accident and I can not work due to my legs & a bad back.

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK

The government can not say they don't know that cost of living has gone up. Fuel is up, TAX on petrol is 75% TAX that needs to be cut in 1/2. VAT reduced 50% The poorest should be exempt from TAX just scrap it. People pay tax on what they buy.
Council TAX needs to go back to the old RATES SYSTEM.

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK

Thanks M. I laughed at your suggestion.

No it won't be Tony Blair (though Blair haters might be surprised at how a Blair return would be received.) Anyway it won't happen.

Momentous times and it strikes me the press hasn't yet caught up with how Labour is feeling on this.

Richard, Plymouth,

People are working & can't feed their families we had a child starved to death in ENGLAND. MR Brown has to take advice and hear the suffering of the British public if you don't people will take the law in their own hands. New Labour is testing the British people, he is pushing too far PETROL 75% TAX

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK

WE are going through a similar thing here in New Zealand.
Labour in power for 10 years,sleaze everywhere,and we have not had a tax cut for the whole 10 years.
Government has ballooned,and criminals have to have their rights protected,at the expense of the victims---roll on the general election

dave B , christchurch, new zealand

the trouble with voting is you always end up with someone that looks like a politician.

steve, perth, australia

So if Brown goes, are we to have another unelected Prime Minister foisted upon us ? Time for a written constitution.

Victor, London, United Kingdom

I wrote in to The Times repeatedly, saying Labor was nuts to replace the first-rate Blair with the second-rate Brown. Tony Blair must be having a bitter-sweet laugh right now.

Paul Francis, Brisbane, Australia

People act as though Brown has only just now shown himself to be a non-entity. That is nonsense. He was always an obvious non-entity. (gave away England's gold = useless) Did Labor really think it could dump Blair, and foist someone like Brown on the public, and that no-one would notice?

Paul Francis, Brisbane, Australia

Brown, so long garbed in rags of faux prudence borrowed from Lawson, now stands naked for all to see: a man of little talent, no leadership or natural charisma who is soon to learn that what was bequeathed to him Bliar can be just as easily wrested away. Who else for the poisoned chalice ?

Robin James, Horsham,

Well, if they dump him they'll upset all the people who voted for him to be prime minister

John Carty, Medellin, Colombia

Bliar's secret weapon was CHARM, the charm of a secondhand car salesman. We were easy meat

Brown has the social skills of a traffic warden. He belongs in one of those grey collarless suits worn by communist dictators.

The recipe is the same, totalitarianism with or without icing on the cake.

Matt, Redhill, UK

Will Blair come to the rescue of New Labour ?
Is Blair the only man who can save us from the "Toff" Cameron ?
God Save Tony Blair and New Labour !

Peter Hooper, Windsor., UK

This story is straight out of Ian Richardson's brilliant BBC series "House of Cards".

MARK KLEIN, M.D., OAKLAND, CA , USA

Mr Brown does not have to quit, he just needs to have the ability to recogonise he is dealing with peoples lives, and the amount of money a person earns is finite. when you add more to what they can afford it becomes a burden, and families can not cope. People want to live, not just exist.

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK

Tony Blair will be PM again.

Mark my words ;)

M, London, UK

Brown has never had respect from ordinary people. He hid in the shadow of Blair. He was never a popular figure. His public speaking comes over like a boring address to the Institute of Chartered Accountants, or a patronising lecture. He just hasn't got what it takes. Blair knew it, now we know it.

Neil, Gloucestershire, England