JOHN MAJOR'S rickety government is suffering blows by the minute and may not stay the course through until May.
No sooner had the world begun to gear up after the Christmas break than the News of the World was making allegations that Jerry Hayes, MP for Harlow has been involved in an illegal gay relationship.
Though Conservative Central Office refused to support Mr Hayes, who denied that his relationship with the then 18 year-old was anything other than platonic, this will be the source of irritation rather than nightmares for the Tory leadership.
Hayes has been open about his support for gay rights -voting for the gay male age of consent to be reduced to 16 and acting as vice-chair of the cross panamentary group on Abs.
A rather more serious headache has been triggered by senior Tory MP Hugh Dykes announcement that he is to join Labour and Liberal democrat talks on constitutional reform, at the same as the Prime Minister was denouncing them as "profoundly dangerous'.
Major, launching what looks set to be another expensive, gruesome, and ineffective poster campaign has really been upstaged by his rivals.
The package of constitutional reform package being trailed in the press is much more newsworthy than another tired out PR campaign from the past-sell-by date Prime Minister.
More importantly the proposals could allow Blair a radical face while carrying through reactionary policies in the economic sphere.
Scrap Lords Of course, abolition of voting for hereditary peers is completely inadequate - the whole rotten second chamber should be scrapped at once. But this, together with a Freedom of Information Act, and the introduction of a Bill of Rights are important moves.
The decision to hold two referenda in Scotland is a complete outrage - but there can be lide doubt that during the first term of a Labour government a Scottish Assembly with tax raising powers will be in place.
A huge majority of the Scottish population are already in favour and this percentage is likely to grow rather than fall under Labour. This alone would be the most significant change to the British constitution for centuries and one which we whole heartedly support.
Socialist Outlook agrees with Labour's call for an immediate election -it is clear that the Tories have no legitimate mandate. We doubt that when Blair's office say they will do everything in their power to get an election called they had anything more daring in mind than breaking with the ludicrous practice of pairing.
Certainly we have heard no calls for anyone outside Parliament to do anything -other than stop Major winning the Personality of the Year poll! No demonstrations, no lobbies. certainly no strikes.
Our readers and supporters will be greeting the New Year and trying to force and election in different style - involved in promoting struggle where ever we can. 1997 will certainly be a year of change - let's make an extra effort to make sure that as much as possible is in our favour. continue these and other attacks on working people, Socialist Outlook will campaign for a vote for Labour. We believe that the election of a labour government is in the interests of workers not because of what more depth than has been possible in recent months.
We hone you agree and will con tinue to give us your support in the