Cameron AND Clegg face leadership challenges – Media and Blog roundup: March 7th 2013

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Cooper denies “shift to the right” on immigration

“Ed Miliband’s tougher stance on immigration does not mean Labour is shifting to the right and trying to outbid the Conservatives, Yvette Cooper will insist today. The Shadow Home Secretary will continue Labour’s repositioning on the sensitive issue by saying the party should have been “ready to talk about problems” but now knows “that needs to change”. She will acknowledge that the impact of migration must be properly managed so that it is “fair for all”.” –Independent

“In a speech at a London think tank, she will say genuine foreign students are being blocked while short-term student visas are being increasingly abused. Ms Cooper will admit that Labour has not always got it right on immigration.” – BBC

Leadership challenges for Cameron AND Clegg

“A plot to push for an EU referendum before the next election has been discussed by Tory MPs in a move designed to destabilise the coalition. The prospects of an early end to the coalition and of a possible challenge to David Cameron’s leadership were discussed at a private dinner last week, which included leading figures from the Right of the party.” – The Times(£)

“Relations between Downing Street and Theresa May’s senior aides have become increasingly strained, amid suggestions that the Home Secretary could be positioning herself as a future leadership contender. Some Downing Street officials claim the Home Office has been “uncooperative” in keeping them abreast of plans and announcements. They believe that the department is not “a team player” and that staff are more interested in protecting their boss than supporting the wider Government agenda.” –Independent

“[Lib Dem] spring conference in Brighton will this weekend debate a proposed amendment to the constitution which would effectively lower the bar to a leadership contest. Under the proposed amendment, a two-thirds majority vote by activists at a party conference would be able to oust a sitting leader and force a leadership contest.” –Telegraph

Other highlights

• When the facts change, should I change my mind? – Vince Cable, New Statesman
• Cameron and Cable at war over recovery – Independent