"The forces of hell" - 8 in the morning, February 24th

8am

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

* Alistair Darling claims Number 10 unleashed “forces of hell” on him after he spoke out about the potential depths of the recession in 2008.

* The PM has said he never instructed Number 10 staff to brief against the Chancellor.

* The Tory lead has now stabilised at 6 points in the YouGov tracker poll.

* Matthew Norman says “there’s something magnificent in the sufferings of Gordon Brown”.

* Jonathan Freedland assesses the role of Prime Minister in modern Britain — only superheroes need apply.

* Andy Coulson could become a liability to the Tories, writes Alastair Campbell…

* As Murdoch’s News International could face a judicial inquiry into the alleged cover-up of phone hacking.

* Gordon Brown will today apologise for the UK’s role in sending thousands of children to colonies where they suffered abuse.

Alex Smith

Alex is the founder and CEO of The Cares Family. He was editor and first director of LabourList in 2009-2010, during which time he established the site as the number one Labour blog, and later an aide to Ed Miliband.

View all articles by Alex Smith

Peter Mandelson should lose peerage, Downing Street spokesperson says

Peter Mandelson should no longer be a member of the House of Lords following his links to the…

Daniel Green

2nd February, 2026, 1:18 pm

Analysis

‘The fate of the assisted dying bill: a quiet end or a painful struggle?’

Earlier this week, Lord Falconer, the promoter of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, said that…

George Peretz KC

2nd February, 2026, 6:00 am

“The forces of hell” – 8 in the morning, February 24th

Alex Smith

More from LabourList

Peter Mandelson should lose peerage, Downing Street spokesperson says

‘The fate of the assisted dying bill: a quiet end or a painful struggle?’

‘Alcohol harm is a public health crisis — and industry lobbying is blocking action’