Balls condemns Field after personal attack

Ed Balls has branded Gordon Brown critic Frank Field as a loner who has acted dishonourably.

 

The schools secretary attacked the former welfare minister following Field's claims that Brown is incapable of providing proper leadership.

 

Speaking at a briefing for journalists, Balls said that Field's criticism of the decision to abolish the 10p tax bracket had descended into personal attacks on Brown.

 

He said: "I think people could look at what he was saying a few weeks ago and believe at that time that his intentions were honourable.

 

"As for what he said this morning I think I leave you to draw your own conclusions from that."

 

Balls said he was convinced Field would now reject attempts by the prime minister and chancellor Alistair Darling to hammer out a compromise over the tax issue.

 

"I think it is very unlikely on the basis of what I have seen that Frank Field will support any proposals that are brought forward by government on the 10p tax," Balls said.

 

Asked if the prime minister would keep trying to work with Field - who has held a series of meetings with the chancellor on the 10p tax issue - Balls responded: "I'd be surprised if the prime minister will be taking Frank Field's advice generally."

 

Pressed on whether Field was on a "one man mission to take down Mr Brown", he replied pointedly: "I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions from what was said this morning."

 

Balls added: "We have all known Frank for many years, and I think he used to work on his own when he was in opposition. He used to work on his own on the backbenches.

 

"I think he used to work on his own when he was a minister as well."