Labour has traditionally had a difficult relationship with the United States, shunning the world’s largest capitalist economy in favour of its socialist-leaning European neighbours, and Prime Minister Blair was the first Labour leader to break the mould, forging a strong relationship with President Bush Jr.

His close relationship with George Bush sometimes led to accusations that Blair was acting like a ‘poodle’, demonstrating unswerving loyalty to his friend.

Ultimately, this created a less than healthy situation where America’s actions did not receive full scrutiny and where Britain had no choice but to follow its cousin ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’, which led us into two poorly-planned wars costing thousands of lives.

Blair’s instincts were, however, correct: America is our most important ally; It is his approach that was flawed.

He attempted to build upon Margaret Thatcher’s impressive legacy in which she created the ‘Special Relationship’ through her uniquely close bond with President Ronald Reagan.

PM Margaret Thatcher dancing with President Ronald Reagan at his Inaugural Ball in the White House following his election in 1984.

Blair mistook the mutual respect and admiration that Thatcher and Reagan had for each other as simple friendship and affection; his relationship with Bush Jr had a similar level of warmth, but not the depth and true objectivity that defined the Thatcher / Reagan era – and shaped world politics for nearly a decade.

Whereas Thatcher and Reagan were trusted confidantes and peers, the way that George Bush called out “Yo, Blair!” to Tony Blair reflected what was obviously a very different level of understanding.

Gordon Brown, as Prime Minister, was simply unable to build any kind of sensible working relationship with President Obama, New Labour’s totalitarian approach sitting much more comfortably with the neo-conservative Republican approach than with Obama’s democratic one.

It is no surprise that President Obama was so quick to congratulate David Cameron on his becoming Prime Minister; the new Conservative administration under dynamic young leadership is exactly the sort of partner that the President needs in Europe; he was quoted as saying of David Cameron:

“…smart, dedicated new prime minister… is somebody we are going to be able to work with very effectively…”

Hopefully, the Special Relationship is back; that will be good for Britain, good for America and good for the world!

Two ex-cabinet ministers are calling for a secret ballot on Gordon Brown’s leadership, only months before a general election must be called.

I am absolutely amazed to hear that senior Labour Party figures are trying to oust their leader just months before a General Election, in what is a clear sign of desperation.

To attempt a change of leader at this late stage is not only a recipe for electoral disaster, but also bad for our country – we need stability at this time of economic turmoil, and the British people will simply not accept another unelected Prime Minster.

The way to resolve this issue is simple – call the General Election.

If senior Labour figures do not have confidence in their own leader, then how can they expect the rest of the country to?

The country is ready for change, and the Conservatives are ready to bring the changes that people need; we do not have time for Labour to focus on its internal difficulties at a time when the country needs strong leadership.