Britain's Brown Faces Autumn of Discontent in His Own Party

LONDON - Prime Minister Gordon Brown returned from his summer break to a collapsing housing market, a deteriorating economy and open speculation within his Labour Party about how long he can survive in office.

Britain's economy ground to a halt in the second quarter, ending 15 years of unbroken growth, and house prices are falling at their fastest pace since records began. The government has warned Britons to brace for the worst conditions in 60 years.

Brown, who waited a decade for the top job only to inherit it from Tony Blair last year, has watched his poll numbers sink to historic lows. A junior minister broke ranks last week to call for a leadership contest.

The opposition Conservatives, rejuvenated under David Cameron, hold a lead of more than 15 points in most surveys, with a general election due by mid-2010 at the latest.

Brown's allies are planning an autumn relaunch built around help with fuel bills and home repossessions. "Every government hits rough water," a cabinet minister said. "The question is whether Gordon can make his argument about experience count."

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