Alan Johnson struggles over National Insurance rates on live television

[CheeseSlice]

those who want to take #2 job

Wasn't it a surprise appointment by Red Ed?

Johnson wasn't a likely shadow chancellor candidate by any means. If anything, I think this only highlights Eds poor judgement as leader of the opposition.

[shaunbhoy]

To answer my own question:

Proper lower-class upbringing, via grammar school which he did not complete, shelf stacker then postie. Politics to the far left, worked his way up the union structure (a good way of avoiding work which, even as a postie, is occasionally expected) to General Secretary of the Communication Workers Union.

So, apart from teenage years as a shelf-stacker, has not really done any real work; he is a "professional politician". I.e. parasite.

Was Parliamentary Private Secretary to 'our special friend' Dawn Primarolo in 1997.

When in the Cabinet, did not seem able to hold a post for 12 months.

As Health Secretary, criticised a breast cancer patient for attempting to buy a cancer treatment which the NHS had denied her. (Silly arse.)

When the medical profession stood up to government and went public with the proof cannabis ain't good for the mental health and ecstasy shouldn't be classed the same as heroin, he was the bloke wot sacked the Chairman of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, Professor David Nutt, because "I cannot have public confusion between scientific advice and government policy". That is, the professor refused to tell lies for the government. (Seven members of the Advisory Council then resigned.)

As Home Secretary, Johnson insisted that the torture of Guantanamo Bay detainees had been “baseless, groundless accusations” and he covered up earlier statements that the Security Service had failed to respect human rights and deliberately misled Parliament.


So, the man is an incompetent liar who has never held down either a proper job nor a political one, and his decisions are poor and politically motivated.

Cut to the Chase RC. Do you rate him or not?

[VectraMan]

Wasn't it a surprise appointment by Red Ed?

Johnson wasn't a likely shadow chancellor candidate by any means. If anything, I think this only highlights Eds poor judgement as leader of the opposition.

Ed's such a lightweight himself he really couldn't have afforded to have anyone halfway competent in such an important position as shadow chancellor.

[SueEllen]

Ed's such a lightweight himself he really couldn't have afforded to have anyone halfway competent in such an important position as shadow chancellor.

There's me thinking that the purpose of a good leader was surrounding yourself with competent people so you look good as well..................

[RichardCranium]

He's a goner.

Johnson 'quitting shadow Cabinet'

It was just announced on PM on Radio 4.

[administrator]

Oh joy. Replaced by Ed Balls. BoC's the lot of them.

[suityou01]

Oh joy. Replaced by Ed Balls. BoC's the lot of them.

Bunch of bananas

[RichardCranium]

He's been sacked.

In full: Alan Johnson's resignation statement

Here is the full text of a statement from Alan Johnson on his resignation as shadow home secretary:

"I have decided to resign from the Shadow Cabinet for personal reasons to do with my family.

Yeah. Sacked.

I have found it difficult to cope with these personal issues in my private life whilst carrying out an important frontbench role.

I.e. sacked.

I am grateful to Ed Miliband for giving me the opportunity to serve as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Definitely sacked.

He is proving to be a formidable leader of the Labour Party and has shown me nothing but support and kindness.

Kind enough to let him say he resigned.

My time in Parliament will now be dedicated to serving my constituents

That'll be a novel experience for him

and supporting the Labour Party.

Serve himself, more like, as he has always done.

I will make no further comment about this matter."

Good. Clear off.

[cojak]

He's been sacked.

In full: Alan Johnson's resignation statement

Yeah. Sacked.I.e. sacked.Definitely sacked.Kind enough to let him say he resigned.That'll be a novel experience for himServe himself, more like, as he has always done.Good. Clear off.

I'm expecting to see you as a roving reporter on Ten O'Clock Live with that concise and insightful analysis and conclusion....

[MrMark]

Is AtW really Ed Miliband? Spooky...