Labour Party (UK) Leadership Election, 2010 Discussion Thread

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I thought David Miliband was pretty much the heir-apparent to Brown (thought I have extremely limited knowledge of UK politics).  This is, at least, what I gathered from reading The Economist over the last few years.

He definately is th heir-apparent. Names like Alan Johnson and Jack Straw were being floated when Brown had problems after the 2009 locals/EU, but it's almost always been Dave.

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Home Secretary Alan Johnson ruled himself out of the contest and gave his backing to Mr Miliband.

Fuck.

Yay

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Does it matter for Cruddas' and Balls' candidacies that their seats aren't safe?

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Who is the most damaging to the Labour's Party's chances in a national election of the Labour MPs running?

In my opinion, out of the likely candidates, Ed Balls.

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When do ballots get mailed to members? I plan on joining the party within the next fortnight.

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From the BBC:

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Don't know how reliable it is, but... it's what it is.

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Surely the Milibands wouldn't run against each other?

Looks like it's happening. It's coming across to me that David certainly thinks so anyway.

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David Miliband looks more like a 'leader' if you want to move the discussion to appearance.

He does, which I think probably has more sway with the electorate than actually being a good leader. I think Ed Miliband would make a better leader, but David would make the party more electable.

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Fast Forward to the leaders' debates 2015 (or 2014, or 2013, or 2012, or 2011, or next November), if Miliband wins this thing, you will not only have 3 centrist parties, but you'll also have 3 young 40-something, smooth-faced, 'charismatic', Blair-clones standing up there.

The 2015 debates should be good.

Clegg: "David, your government's record is disgusting... oh wait..."

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Burnham says that he's "clearly thinking about it" to ITV Granada.

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It's looking increasingly likely that Cruddas will run, which would be a good thing for the Party, regardless of his chances (which might be better than a lot of pundits think; for some reason they seem to be forgetting quite how close he came to becoming Deputy Leader in 2007) as he's an intelligent man with a greater understanding of political sociology than is usual for a politician.

Well, fingers crossed I'll certainly be voting for him. Anti-tuition fees, pro-comprehensive, anti-Iraq war, anti-Trident replacement... perfect man to restore Labour to its roots.

1983... yay...

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It's looking increasingly likely that Cruddas will run, which would be a good thing for the Party, regardless of his chances (which might be better than a lot of pundits think; for some reason they seem to be forgetting quite how close he came to becoming Deputy Leader in 2007) as he's an intelligent man with a greater understanding of political sociology than is usual for a politician.

Well, fingers crossed I'll certainly be voting for him. Anti-tuition fees, pro-comprehensive, anti-Iraq war, anti-Trident replacement... perfect man to restore Labour to its roots.

1983... yay...

My favourite manifesto of all time and the one closest to my views.

There's not really much point in it being good or well liked, if it can't get the party elected though. I, personally, wouldn't want to see what 2 terms of (Tory) Dave would do to the country.

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Ed Miliband is reported to have told his CLP that he's running.

Yup!

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ed-miliband-launches-his-leadership-bid-by-urging-return-to-old-radical-edge-1973930.html

I'd love either of the Milibands to become leader (although, I think David is probably more electable).

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HOW abnormal of an upbringing are we talking about here?

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From Wikipedia.

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Cruddas has declined to run.

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LOL, Diane Abbott. I'll be watching This Week tonight to drunk Diane and drunk Michael Portillo go on about future PM Abbott.

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Official nominations so far:

D. Miliband 51
E. Miliband 46
Balls 23
Burnham 14
McDonnell 4
Abbott 0

Two of McDonnell's names may cause a surprise; Frank Field and Kate Hoey.

Frank's probably only backing him because he's not part of "media-endorsed" candidates, nothing about idealogy or policy. Either that or he knows the McDonnell would probably lead Labour to its worst defeat ever, a la Michael Foot.

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Milibrand vs. Milibrand would be the most confusing Leadership contest ever.

Not to mention a Dave Vs Dave general election.

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Milibrand vs. Milibrand would be the most confusing Leadership contest ever.

Not to mention a Dave Vs Dave general election.

Can't remember Miliband ever calling himself 'Dave' though.

True, but still David Vs David.

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Frank Field explains himself: http://www.frankfield.co.uk/files/download.php?m=documents&f=100526164154-260510JohnMcDonnell.pdf

...what a tool.

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Burnham: 26
McDonnell: 15
Abbott: 9

Deadline day is tomorrow.

50 are left to nominate apparently. I think Burnham could just make it.

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Field is still able to do all the normal party things?

Do you mean because he has the coalition job? Yeah, he's allowed to do party stuff.

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Hustings in Glasgow.
http://www2.labour.org.uk/leadership-hustings

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I think Andy Burnham was awful tonight. I think Ed Miliband did well, but I just can't shake off the feeling that he's simply not ready to be leader yet.

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D. Miliband was probably the most "pragmatic", but i thought he came across as slightly arrogant, E. Miliband and Diane Abbott sounded fairly progressive and geniune, Balls also came across as fairly geniune but seemed to try and appeal to the more socially conservative Labour supporters too much, and Burnham was too Blairite for my liking.

Burnham seemed to be speaking up for everything that Labour had done wrong 97-10.