Mowlam on Morris: No 10 to blame
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mo Mowlam believes the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, and the Schools minister, David Miliband should take some of the blame for the downfall of Estelle Morris.
Writing in today's Independent, the former cabinet minister says the appointment of Mr Miliband, who was head of the Downing Street policy unit, intensified pressure on the Secretary of State for Eduction.
Ms Morris resigned on Wednesday, citing problems dealing with the media and the difficulties of running a major spending department. Ms Mowlam says: "It is possible that his presence could well have made Estelle feel squeezed."
She also criticises the Government's culture of targets, warning that the Chancellor's "hands-on" approach to constant reporting and monitoring performance "can cause increased bureaucracy and undermine morale". Ms Morris was said to have lobbied for the appointment of Mr Miliband as School Standards minister. But after his appointment she had to contend with constant speculation about his reputation as a high-flyer tipped as a future prime minister.
Ms Mowlam praises Ms Morris's resignation as the act of "an honest and principled individual" and acknowledges that "the constant pressure of the media can be frustrating and exhausting". But she adds: "There are other problems which I assume hit the Department of Education and Skills. One is the desire of No 10 to get results ... but it can be less than helpful when ... No 10 comes in with requests for more speed in one area, or a change of emphasis in another.
"This difficulty was perhaps made worse for Estelle by having No 10 in her department in the form of David Miliband, a very competent minister, but very close to No 10."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments