Forum Topic

So, who will be the next Labour leader?

Cometh the hour, Peter Mandelson or will he be the king maker???

Iain Muir ● 5975d31 Comments

He is a Lord and has a whole list of misdeads in his past which some of us have not forgotten.  Not for him the top job (doesn't pay enough), unless of course it is in Brussels.  He likes wheeling and dealing too much!Time for 'new' Labour and the Oxbridge types to disappear and for the party to get back to its roots  ... perhaps?

Dee Cook ● 5975d

A Milliband?Apparently David cleverer but Ed saner

Sara Nathan ● 5975d

Perhaps they could job share!, no obvious candidate to my mind

Iain Muir ● 5975d

My husband fancies the current Home Secretary but he seems a bit old Labour and a trade unionist to boot - unlikely to appeal.

Sara Nathan ● 5975d

I now think it will be Lib Dem/Tory as their tactics have forced the tories to offer a referendum, albeit on Alternative vote. They will think going with the tories the lesser risk. Alan Johnson would be a better choice for the party given his union roots and that he is not a smooth young Oxbridge type, a la Cameron, Clegg and the Milibands

Iain Muir ● 5975d

I think it will be either David Milliband or Ed Balls. The younger Milliband is too young and inexperienced I think - although that hasn't stopped Clegg.

Chris Hurley ● 5975d

>>Apparently David cleverer but Ed saner<

Roy Gillett ● 5975d

the whole things a sham. any party which had as its policy the withdrawel of our troops by christmas would have won by a landslide, i didnt hold my breath on that one. they all take orders from washington who in turn take their orders fom the only show in town. hovering above us like a nefarious volcacanic dust cloud.

peter savick ● 5975d

Balls

David Archer ● 5975d

Will all Labour Party members get a vote for electing a new leader. I hope it is not Harriet Harman

Mavis Walker ● 5975d

I don't think so and she appeared to rule herself out on Newsnight last night - can't see there being a huge "draft harriet" campaign.

Sara Nathan ● 5975d

Not as leader of the Laboutr party though.

Sara Nathan ● 5975d

>>I hope it is not Harriet Harman<

Roy Gillett ● 5975d

I was right!, sadly, but suspect it is the best option for Labour. I cannot see the coalition surviving more than a year. I do hope they do not do much damage to what Labour have achieved in society and in surviving the global melt down.

Iain Muir ● 5974d

Not right about who is to be next labour leader - merely next PM. Fancy Nick Clegg getting deputy PM. My respect for the lad's negotiating skills knows no bounds.

Sara Nathan ● 5974d

I did say 'might' Sara!, no idea as to who will be the best or will win in the leadership. Doubt the coalition will last beyond a year, Lib dem MP's will not stomach tory policies at some point. Provided Cameron does not wreck the economy and the Lib-dems manage to limit his anti social policies (eg Sure Start)this could be a good result for Labour as they come back in the 2011 election.

Iain Muir ● 5974d

I did say 'might' Sara!, no idea as to who will be the best or will win in the leadership. Doubt the coalition will last beyond a year, Lib dem MP's will not stomach tory policies at some point. Provided Cameron does not wreck the economy and the Lib-dems manage to limit his anti social policies (eg Sure Start)this could be a good result for Labour as they come back in the 2011 election.

Iain Muir ● 5974d

I do wonder what happens if you copmmit to a fixed term five year parliament in a coalion and it then falls apart and you lose a confidence vote.Surely an election would be important

Sara Nathan ● 5974d

I think it's called 'chaining yourself to the tiller.'

Steve Donnelly ● 5974d

So, husband's tip of Alan Johnson pretty much rubbish then!

Sara Nathan ● 5973d

cant understand all the angst against Harriet Harman - did I miss something?

Gail Peters ● 5973d

Whoever gets the job will have a pleasant couple of years sniping at everything the coalition does without being in any danger of gaining power himself.No obvious towering figure presents itself.

Susan Kelly ● 5973d

>>cant understand all the angst against Harriet Harman - did I miss something?<

Roy Gillett ● 5973d

oh I see ... so nothing to do with gender politics

Gail Peters ● 5973d

Yes Mavis, all Party members will get a vote, as will members of affiliated organisations (Trade Unions etc).

Paul Woodgate ● 5973d

Sad to say Gail that a lot of men (and some women) do not like to see successful women doing things in what they think are a men’s world, like being Cabinet Ministers or successful MP’s. Said people complain through caricature and innuendo when progressive policies for women are implemented. See the Chiswick W4 site for some prime examples, ‘Harriet Harperson’ etc.  Margaret Thatcher gained respect but probably because she was not seen as a feminist, more like a bloke really. So I think you are right in your suggestion of gender politics, but sure you knew this already. Sorry to have to explain it for others.......

Iain Muir ● 5973d

>>oh I see ... so nothing to do with gender politics<

Roy Gillett ● 5973d

Like all politicians (and people) Harriet Harman has strengths and weaknesses, but anyone who doubts that the extraordinary vitriol she attracts is unconnected with her gender either doesn't get out much or has read the Daily Mail too long.

Steve Donnelly ● 5973d

It's a bit of both isn't it?She attracts undue venom AND is not that impressive.

Sara Nathan ● 5972d

..................and what's wrong with the Daily Mail?!!!!!A bloody great paper.Ho Ho Ho.

Rosco White ● 5971d

Been reading it since I was nine...never changed a single opinion I have ever had.

Sara Nathan ● 5971d