Ed Miliband snubbed Harriet Harman today by refusing to say if he would grant her the title Deputy Prime Minister if Labour wins power next year.
The Evening Standard revealed yesterday how Ms Harman hit out at Gordon Brown in a speech on sexism at Westminster for refusing her the job in 2007 when she won an election to succeed John Prescott as Labour’s deputy leader. Mr Prescott served as deputy premier when the party came to power in 1997 under Tony Blair.
Mr Miliband’s spokesman refused to give a commitment — leaving open the option that he could block her wish to become the first woman in the post.
“As Harriet made clear, Labour’s focus is on winning the general election,” said the spokesman. “Any announcements on Cabinet posts will wait until after the result.” Ms Harman was accused of spouting “utter bilge” by one of Mr Brown’s former close aides Damian McBride.
He also denounced a claim that she was relegated to a dinner for leaders’ wives at the London G20 summit.
Mr McBride suggested that the shadow culture secretary and party chair had been held back because she was “useless”.
“Gordon judged people on only one thing: were they useless or not,” he said. “It’s utter bilge from Harriet ...”
He said business adviser Baroness Vadera was given “a crucial role” because of her talent, which proved that Mr Brown treated men and women equally.
Ms Harman hit back: “Damian McBride you will remember was sacked from his position in government for denigrating women and he is doing it again.”
