Shadow Chancellor Not Up To The Job

[Chil1234]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/labour/8249198/Alan-Johnson-struggles-over-National-Insurance-rates-on-live-television.html Johnson Confusion

You'd think, as the Shadow Chancellor, Alan Johnson would be up to speed on something as basic as employers' NI contributions. His stage persona of 'honest bloke who knows nothing about economics' is wearing very thin already and not reflecting well on Miliband's judgement. Cooper and Balls must be seething.

Johnson Confusion

'His stage persona of 'honest bloke who knows nothing about economics' is wearing very thin'

I always thought his stage persona was for real. It doesn't surprise me. They were talking of Johnson being the leader at one time. That would have been a laugh. I think Miliband wanted Osborne to have an easy ride, and that is what he has got with Johnson across the dispatch box.

Never mind the shadow chancellor not being up to the job, what about the chancellor

The decision to have Johnson as shadow chancellor is a strange one. Ed Miliband must have been worried if he'd given it to Ed Balls or Yvette Cooper they'd have tried and run the show and overshadowed him but Johnson does appear out of his depth.

It was quite a bad gaffe

It's not just the one gaffe, according to that article. The Chancellor position is your big-gun general when it comes to Opposition politics and - especially at the moment when it should be like shooting ducks in a barrel - he's supposed to be out there making his leader look good with brilliant alternative financial strategies. I'm not disappointed (because I've no time for Labour) I'm just staggered at how badly Milliband is wasting chance after chance.

Didn't I hear something about Miliband urging people not to strike the other day? Don't you think Miliband knows what he is doing by appointing Johnson? Doesn't Miliband play on the Tory team?

I think Ed Balls is wasted, as is Yvette Cooper, David Milliband (toys. pram), Andy Burnham. Any of those should have louder voices. Alan Johnson is a good guy so people will forgive him, but yes, too many own goals from him to carry on much longer in that role. Good intentions, but deary dear.

Harriet is much much better than Ed at PMQs too.....in fact I think Ed's stare is starting to piss me off.

Gutted that David Milliband didn't get the leadership. Labour is sunk while Ed is leader. David was the one person the Tories hoped would not win. They were laughing when Ed got the job - says it all.

Chili1234. His 'stage persona' is him! he obviously does not know the basics of his job.

Politicians (most of them) don't know any more about economics than you or I!

Riven. There is already a book out called 'Economics for Dummies!' Perhaps we could all club together, buy copies and send them to both Chanchellors!

I just saw Alistair DArling on the Politics Show and he was remarkably impressive

What is it about leaving office and becoming a reasonable politician? They all do it

After they've left office they can say what may have been previously thought unsayable within the party or unpopular with the electorate. I think Osborne is therefore making the better go of it at the moment. He is not courting popularity internally, externally or wasting too much time being mealy-mouthed...

Alan Johnson should have stuck to delivering letters!

Does this mean he's quit? Johnson leaves front bench

blimey that's a bit of a shock. Usually spending time with the family is code for not happy with whatever is going on. I've met Alan, he's a lovely guy but I was very surprised at him being given the Chancellor brief. Can't wait to see Ed Balls going for Gideon!!

I thought it was nice of him to resign now. Takes all the political heat/media attention off a certain MNer!

He's done the right thing, he was completely wrong for shadow chancellor post.

I wish him well.

Did he jump? Or was he pushed?

That's what I thought Buda.

I bet Gideon is peeing his pants!

I don;t think Ed is right to fight the next election but I think he's a damn good interim position holder before the real candidate gets in (Yvette Cooper).

Alan Johnson- I like him, as a person; perhapos not as SC but liking a politician atm is pretty - well there ain't many LOL

@Alouiseg... gently nudged, I expect. He never looked comfortable in the role and if he does have personal problems (will be reading the Sundays with interest) then Ed will have seized the opportunity to suggest a quieter life.

Ed Balls will be a better opponent for George Osborne who will now up his game. Win win all round.

He had a little bit of integrity. Rare in a politico.