Forbes.com: Britain - Brown's Last Stand- as his power quickly slips away - by Vidya Ram

Gordon Brown in happier days

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Britain - Brown's Last Stand- as his power quickly slips away - by Vidya Ram

Power is falling through Gordon Brown's fingers faster than sand. James Purnell, the minister for work and pensions, delivered the British prime minister his biggest blow late on Thursday, shortly after polling stations closed for local and European elections. In a public letter he called on Brown to "stand aside" in order to give the ruling Labor party a chance to win the next general election, then said he was quitting.Another sign of Brown's weakening hold is Treasury Minister Alistair Darling's refusal to step down. After he became mired in a scandal over expenses claims, Brown had repeatedly refused to confirm he would be in his job in ten days time, but the tide appears to have turned and government sources have now been telling the media that Darling will stay.

A re-shuffle of Brown's cabinet is now underway. Alan Johnson, currently in charge of health, has reportedly been moved to home secretary, previously the position of who recently resigned Jackie Smith. Alan Johnson, currently in charge of health is the bookmakers' favorite to take over as prime minister, if Brown's hold on the party completely folds.