Crunch time: political commentators divided on whether Brown will - or indeed should - call a snap election
12 April 2012

What the political commentators say Gordon Brown should do now...

Martin Kettle, The Guardian: "An early 2007 election would... be a piece of opportunism without parallel. It would be a deeply iconoclastic constitutional act, wholly out of tune with the kind of politics with which Brown has so deliberately associated himself. It would also, in a perspective that ought to matter to Brown, be deeply un-British, elevating the election above respect for the conventions and tolerances of the parliamentary system."

Bruce Anderson, The Independent: "Gordon Brown is a son of the manse. David Cameron's parents lived in an old rectory. It is inconceivable to Mr Brown that a son of the old rectory could ever defeat a son of the manse. For that reason, I believe that he will not hold an early election. I also think that he is unwise to delay, and to underrate David Cameron."

Tim Hames, The Times: "The Prime Minister enters his first conference in an exceptionally strong position. What should he do with it? On this, Tony Blair was right: 'At our best when at our boldest.' Almost all the pundits have concluded that Mr Brown is just 'too cautious' to call an election for October 25 or November 1. Mr Brown should ignore them. He should wait until after the Conservatives have met and then dissolve the House of Commons."

Nick Robinson, BBC political editor: "Is he preparing the way for an early election, simply keeping his options open or merely winding up his opponents? I described talk of an early election as 'tosh' some weeks back - a judgement which I don't regret. However, it isn't 'tosh' any more and I'm getting nervous."

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