I'm sure that the last paragraph's correct re the selectorate but are there enough willing MPs who will act as nominee for McDonnell? One for Nick Palmer, perhaps.
The final sentence is the faintest of praise as well.
50/1 on John McDonnell coming home would be very sweet.
But the Labour party needs a unifier and who else but Ed Miliband to perform that role? My 200/1 bet might not be unconnected with that recommendation.
I agree, McDonnell could be Michael Howard to Corbyn's IDS, a big job in the Shadow Cabinet and a candidate who could plausibly win a ballot of the present Labour membership. If Khan wins Corbyn will be safe though, a by-election loss to UKIP is what could topple him
If it's only 37 per cent for Corbyn-type candidates, the markets must be pricing a high probability that Corbyn will not leave any time soon; probably, not before the next general election.
50/1 on John McDonnell coming home would be very sweet.
But the Labour party needs a unifier and who else but Ed Miliband to perform that role? My 200/1 bet might not be unconnected with that recommendation.
That would be like the Tories picking Hague after IDS, Corbyn may turn off swing voters but he has rallied the base, Ed Miliband turned off swing voters and failed to enthuse the base
Leicester Liz or is she deemed out of the running?
After her triumphant 4.5% last time I think Liz may be better off running for the Tory leadership when Dave goes, she would probably at least get double figures!
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
On the grounds that Labour nowadays only ever select a candidate more left-wing and more electorally unappealing than his predecessor, it has to be McDonnell.
OTOH, I do like Alastair's suggestion of Ed Miliband. His leadership now seems to be viewed within the party like a golden period of competence and success, he seems generally without enemies, and he could be viewed as a unity candidate.
On the grounds that Labour nowadays only ever select a candidate more left-wing and more electorally unappealing than his predecessor, it has to be McDonnell.
OTOH, I do like Alastair's suggestion of Ed Miliband. His leadership now seems to be viewed within the party like a golden period of competence and success, he seems generally without enemies, and he could be viewed as a unity candidate.
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
FPT, the Euro. The principle behind currency unions is very late Victorian. Namely, if a country becomes uncompetitive, the best thing that can happen is that unemployment rises, wages fall, and people who can't find work should emigrate. Devaluation is wicked, and stops people from being reformed, for their own good. Curiously, many left wingers now subscribe to this point of view.
On the grounds that Labour nowadays only ever select a candidate more left-wing and more electorally unappealing than his predecessor, it has to be McDonnell.
OTOH, I do like Alastair's suggestion of Ed Miliband. His leadership now seems to be viewed within the party like a golden period of competence and success, he seems generally without enemies, and he could be viewed as a unity candidate.
There would be a stick-it-to-the-Man appeal to re-electing Ed, perhaps.
Some of those estimated times look plain wrong . Chorley is always amongst the first councils to declare - small wards mainly straight Con/Lab fights , Tamworth similarly the same .
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Indeed, it needs to be frontrank Shadow Cabinet pre 2020
50/1 on John McDonnell coming home would be very sweet.
But the Labour party needs a unifier and who else but Ed Miliband to perform that role? My 200/1 bet might not be unconnected with that recommendation.
I don't think it's most ridiculous idea. If Miliband was leader now he would be making hay with the troubles the government is currently inflicting upon itself. That's not to say he'd do any better in 2020 than in 2015, but he could make life uncomfortable for the Tories.
As an aside on the elections in Woking today (specifically the St Johns Ward), I've noticed quite a few Lib Dem boards up around where I live. They always used to have a strong presence but they had almost disappeared last year when they lost a seat in the ward. I suspect they may feel more invigorated to back the party having seen the way the Tories have governed on their own. I'm not sure you can go as far as to call them green shoots, but I suspect at the local level at least the Lib Dems will make something of a recovery over next few years.
On the grounds that Labour nowadays only ever select a candidate more left-wing and more electorally unappealing than his predecessor, it has to be McDonnell.
OTOH, I do like Alastair's suggestion of Ed Miliband. His leadership now seems to be viewed within the party like a golden period of competence and success, he seems generally without enemies, and he could be viewed as a unity candidate.
There would be a stick-it-to-the-Man appeal to re-electing Ed, perhaps.
Some of those estimated times look plain wrong . Chorley is always amongst the first councils to declare - small wards mainly straight Con/Lab fights , Tamworth similarly the same .
I agree, McDonnell could be Michael Howard to Corbyn's IDS, a big job in the Shadow Cabinet and a candidate who could plausibly win a ballot of the present Labour membership. If Khan wins Corbyn will be safe though, a by-election loss to UKIP is what could topple him
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Starmer could probably cut it as a possible PM. Whether he could cut it as a Labour leader is a different matter. Not entirely sure what the criteria are for that these days though.
I agree, McDonnell could be Michael Howard to Corbyn's IDS, a big job in the Shadow Cabinet and a candidate who could plausibly win a ballot of the present Labour membership. If Khan wins Corbyn will be safe though, a by-election loss to UKIP is what could topple him
You surely mean Hilary Benn?
Hilary Benn is the only other plausible alternative but his Syria vote may have blacked his card with the present membership. Howard was the only realistic alternative to IDS as ideologically they were almost identical, it was competence which was the key difference, so the same may hold true for McDonnell and Corbyn
Would McDonnell get nominated? He's less popular in the PLP than Corbyn.
Corbyn got nominated
Just. And because some in the PLP went funny. They learnt that lesson. Surely.
Given the size of Corbyn's mandate with the membership the MPs cannot pick a leader before the next election who does not ideologically fit in the same bracket as Corbyn without igniting a civil war
Stephen Kinnock must be worth a shout after 2020 , to go one better than his father. He must have ambitions to be near the top of the party at some stage.
50/1 on John McDonnell coming home would be very sweet.
But the Labour party needs a unifier and who else but Ed Miliband to perform that role? My 200/1 bet might not be unconnected with that recommendation.
I don't think it's most ridiculous idea. If Miliband was leader now he would be making hay with the troubles the government is currently inflicting upon itself. That's not to say he'd do any better in 2020 than in 2015, but he could make life uncomfortable for the Tories.
That's debateable. Corbyn tonight might possibly outperform Miliband on their respective first sets of local elections tonight: if Labour tie with or beat the Conservatives on the national vote share, then that will be better than their loss to the Tories by 1% in 2011.
I'm not currently betting on next Labour leader but if I were tempted in it would be to lay people that have no chance, such as David Miliband, or next to no chance, such as Hilary Benn.
Surely this is why there won't be a challenge? The mainstream can't move until the left - all of the left - is discredited.
Perhaps so. It certainly does seem to me that to speak of 'unifying' the Labour party after what has been happening, is akin to wishing to unify the ship's biscuit with the weevils.
It's true the 'weevils' only surfaced by accident, but is it a good thing to re-unite with them knowingly?
Ed Miliband is currently best-priced at 200/1 with SkyBET and Ladbrokes to be the next leader of the Labour party. Unlikely yes, but there are worse bets to be had, far worse, including most of the other so-called top contenders for this job. Were Corbyn's resignation/removal be delayed by another 12 months or more, the likes of Ed might well become one of the favourites offering at the very least a satisfying trade out opportunity on Betfair. I've had a couple of quid's worth for old times sake. DYOR.
Keir Stamer is the man to lead Labour to success. The public would like his persona and background.
He seems dull to me, Chuka is the man in all likelihood but not until after the 2020 election
Chuka does not give me any confidence after his last abortive attempt. If he withdrew last time because he could not stand the harsh light of publicity, what has changed for next time.
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Quite. If we're going to return to "moderates" then I'd rather have Harman, Johnson or Benn. I might not agree with everything they've done, but atleast I know roughly what I'd get from them in policy terms, and they've proven themselves to atleast be semi-competent in terms of media performance and general political skills.
I'm sick of the Nandys, Kendalls, Umunnas, Reeveses and Jarvises being put forward before they've done, or even said, anything relevant or interesting. Or shown they have any basic political skills or any sort of proven appeal to the general public, to compensate for the less-than-ideal policy stances.
Keir Stamer is the man to lead Labour to success. The public would like his persona and background.
He seems dull to me, Chuka is the man in all likelihood but not until after the 2020 election
Chuka does not give me any confidence after his last abortive attempt. If he withdrew last time because he could not stand the harsh light of publicity, what has changed for next time.
He was too young last time and clearly even he could see the circumstances were not right for a Labour victory in 2020, if Labour fails to win in 2020 he will likely walk the leadership and the 2025 general election too
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Quite. If we're going to return to "moderates" then I'd rather have Harman, Johnson or Benn. I might not agree with everything they've done, but atleast I know roughly what I'd get from them in policy terms, and they've proven themselves to atleast be semi-competent in terms of media performance and general political skills.
I'm sick of the Nandys, Kendalls, Umunnas, Reeveses and Jarvises being put forward before they've done, or even said, anything relevant or interesting. Or shown they have any basic political skills or any sort of proven appeal to the general public, to compensate for the less-than-ideal policy stances.
Has Burnham a chance again after his work on getting the enquiry for Hillsborough ?
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Quite. If we're going to return to "moderates" then I'd rather have Harman, Johnson or Benn. I might not agree with everything they've done, but atleast I know roughly what I'd get from them in policy terms, and they've proven themselves to atleast be semi-competent in terms of media performance and general political skills.
I'm sick of the Nandys, Kendalls, Umunnas, Reeveses and Jarvises being put forward before they've done, or even said, anything relevant or interesting. Or shown they have any basic political skills or any sort of proven appeal to the general public, to compensate for the less-than-ideal policy stances.
Has Burnham a chance again after his work on getting the enquiry for Hillsborough ?
I doubt it - and I say that as someone who voted for him last year.
I'm not currently betting on next Labour leader but if I were tempted in it would be to lay people that have no chance, such as David Miliband, or next to no chance, such as Hilary Benn.
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Quite. If we're going to return to "moderates" then I'd rather have Harman, Johnson or Benn. I might not agree with everything they've done, but atleast I know roughly what I'd get from them in policy terms, and they've proven themselves to atleast be semi-competent in terms of media performance and general political skills.
I'm sick of the Nandys, Kendalls, Umunnas, Reeveses and Jarvises being put forward before they've done, or even said, anything relevant or interesting. Or shown they have any basic political skills or any sort of proven appeal to the general public, to compensate for the less-than-ideal policy stances.
Has Burnham a chance again after his work on getting the enquiry for Hillsborough ?
I doubt it - and I say that as someone who voted for him last year.
Burnham is the David Davis of the Labour Party, he was also Shadow Home Secretary under IDS, so probably not
John McDonnell has already run for Labour leadership twice and flopped on both occassions. He's a nasty chippy thug with health issues. No.
No, he ran once in 2007 when Brown would not allow him on the ballot paper. He does not need to appeal to the likes of you, he does need to appeal to the Labour membership and enough Labour MPs
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Quite. If we're going to return to "moderates" then I'd rather have Harman, Johnson or Benn. I might not agree with everything they've done, but atleast I know roughly what I'd get from them in policy terms, and they've proven themselves to atleast be semi-competent in terms of media performance and general political skills.
I'm sick of the Nandys, Kendalls, Umunnas, Reeveses and Jarvises being put forward before they've done, or even said, anything relevant or interesting. Or shown they have any basic political skills or any sort of proven appeal to the general public, to compensate for the less-than-ideal policy stances.
Has Burnham a chance again after his work on getting the enquiry for Hillsborough ?
Hillsborough is about the only thing on which Burnham has ever had a settled view - and he was indifferent until the day he turned up to the memorial service in 2009 expecting to be welcomed as sports minister but got heckled off stage. Since that day though, he was a great ambassador for his city in getting the fresh inquests.
Would McDonnell get nominated? He's less popular in the PLP than Corbyn.
Possibly not, and that is probably why Corbyn wont stand down until after the GE, when there will be a batch of MPs. Of course he may be able to change the nomination proses, or get more supper left MPs at By-elections.
I'm not currently betting on next Labour leader but if I were tempted in it would be to lay people that have no chance, such as David Miliband, or next to no chance, such as Hilary Benn.
Shhhhhhhh.
It'll be a woman. Labour's pathetic nature demands one.
I'm not currently betting on next Labour leader but if I were tempted in it would be to lay people that have no chance, such as David Miliband, or next to no chance, such as Hilary Benn.
Shhhhhhhh.
We've all heard the story of the old woman with the basket of David Miliband betting slips - somebody stole the basket ...
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Heidi Alexander?
I don't think she's been especially impressive TBH, given the opportunity she's had during the doctors' strike. I've barely noticed her.
Trying to maintain something by force, like this measure does, is like the thinking behind the Berlin Wall. You'd think politicians would learn from history, and realise that this measure will only cause much embitterment, and not have a hope in hell of working. You'd be hoping for too much as far as the EU is concerned!
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Quite. If we're going to return to "moderates" then I'd rather have Harman, Johnson or Benn. I might not agree with everything they've done, but atleast I know roughly what I'd get from them in policy terms, and they've proven themselves to atleast be semi-competent in terms of media performance and general political skills.
I'm sick of the Nandys, Kendalls, Umunnas, Reeveses and Jarvises being put forward before they've done, or even said, anything relevant or interesting. Or shown they have any basic political skills or any sort of proven appeal to the general public, to compensate for the less-than-ideal policy stances.
Not Harman. She - rather than those who nominated him - bears responsibility for Corbyn's election as a result of her maladroit response to Osborne's July Budget.
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Heidi Alexander?
I don't think she's been especially impressive TBH, given the opportunity she's had during the doctors' strike. I've barely noticed her.
Agreed. If you compare to Blair, Brown or Cook in 1994, they had circa 5 years front bench experience under their belt and had proved they could make an impact and cause damage from opposition.
Glos police investigating alleged electoral fraud. By election in Cheltenham? I'm hearing Lib Dems set to do well there tonight, so could be very interesting if anything did come out of the investigation. That government majority might yet evaporate before 2020...
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Heidi Alexander?
I don't think she's been especially impressive TBH, given the opportunity she's had during the doctors' strike. I've barely noticed her.
Agreed. If you compare to Blair, Brown or Cook in 1994, they had circa 5 years front bench experience under their belt and had proved they could make an impact and cause damage from opposition.
Benn is the closest IMO. He makes an impact.
Cameron had less than 1 year on the frontbench when he became leader
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Heidi Alexander?
I don't think she's been especially impressive TBH, given the opportunity she's had during the doctors' strike. I've barely noticed her.
Agreed. If you compare to Blair, Brown or Cook in 1994, they had circa 5 years front bench experience under their belt and had proved they could make an impact and cause damage from opposition.
Benn is the closest IMO. He makes an impact.
Cameron had less than 1 year on the frontbench when he became leader
Yes. He also could have done with more experience.
Glos police investigating alleged electoral fraud. By election in Cheltenham? I'm hearing Lib Dems set to do well there tonight, so could be very interesting if anything did come out of the investigation. That government majority might yet evaporate before 2020...
Couple or three proven electoral frauds and Cameron's credibility will be gone, let alone his majority.
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Quite. If we're going to return to "moderates" then I'd rather have Harman, Johnson or Benn. I might not agree with everything they've done, but atleast I know roughly what I'd get from them in policy terms, and they've proven themselves to atleast be semi-competent in terms of media performance and general political skills.
I'm sick of the Nandys, Kendalls, Umunnas, Reeveses and Jarvises being put forward before they've done, or even said, anything relevant or interesting. Or shown they have any basic political skills or any sort of proven appeal to the general public, to compensate for the less-than-ideal policy stances.
Has Burnham a chance again after his work on getting the enquiry for Hillsborough ?
I doubt it - and I say that as someone who voted for him last year.
Yes same here , I voted for Burnham, in 2015 and 10. Not a member of the party but got a vote through Union affilation.
I did not use my vote today , in the PCC elections as I do not agree with the concept of politicians running the police.
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Heidi Alexander?
I don't think she's been especially impressive TBH, given the opportunity she's had during the doctors' strike. I've barely noticed her.
Agreed. If you compare to Blair, Brown or Cook in 1994, they had circa 5 years front bench experience under their belt and had proved they could make an impact and cause damage from opposition.
Benn is the closest IMO. He makes an impact.
Cameron had less than 1 year on the frontbench when he became leader
Yes. He also could have done with more experience.
Did not stop him winning 2 elections, his predecessor lost the 2005 election despite having a wealth of experience
I can see the argument that John McDonnell would appeal to the same membership as elected Corbyn but surely the Labour MPs would not make the same mistake again.
On the other hand I agree that Benn is not a runner because the membership would hate it.
I feel that Labour will have to roll the dice again and just hope someone inexperienced from the next generation can step up to the plate. Its a big ask. The Tories got very lucky with Cameron. Most experiments of that type do not go so well.
John McDonnell is a far superior performer to Jeremy Corbyn.
I have up until today been a staunch Conservative voter, however since voting Conservative for the last time in the 2015 General Election I have slowly but surely moved toward the Labour party. I voted Labour in the local elections and Labour as my first choice for PPC, I chose the Lib Dems for my second vote.
The Conservatives under Cameron and Osborne are not One Nation Conservatives but rather Thatcherites of the most extreme order. The punitive cost of their administration on the poor and vulnerable has forced me to cross the Rubicon from Tory voter to Labour supporter despite the Corbyn takeover. I don’t like Corbyn’s defence policy or his immigration free for all. However, I thought voting Labour sends a better signal to the two chumps in Downing street than spoiling my ballot.
So, I took the bull by the horns today and thought in my own way to mount a solitary signal to Cameron and Osborne, which is F**k You! You have failed and are useless pair who need to be removed asap.
I did think about saving my protest until the European referendum, however I see no advantage in exit so I thought I would get my little protest in first and vote to remain in the EU later.
Glos police investigating alleged electoral fraud. By election in Cheltenham? I'm hearing Lib Dems set to do well there tonight, so could be very interesting if anything did come out of the investigation. That government majority might yet evaporate before 2020...
Couple or three proven electoral frauds and Cameron's credibility will be gone, let alone his majority.
Prima Facie, it looks very bad indeed for the Tories: could indeed be a major game changer...
Glos police investigating alleged electoral fraud. By election in Cheltenham? I'm hearing Lib Dems set to do well there tonight, so could be very interesting if anything did come out of the investigation. That government majority might yet evaporate before 2020...
According to Guido, it is up for the individual forces to apply for an extension to the time allowed for investigation. The number of forces which apply for this will give us a sense of how realistic this prospect is. I think it is quite unlikely.
I can see the argument that John McDonnell would appeal to the same membership as elected Corbyn but surely the Labour MPs would not make the same mistake again.
On the other hand I agree that Benn is not a runner because the membership would hate it.
I feel that Labour will have to roll the dice again and just hope someone inexperienced from the next generation can step up to the plate. Its a big ask. The Tories got very lucky with Cameron. Most experiments of that type do not go so well.
Labour obviously cannot go with anyone less experienced until after the general election, it will have to be a big hitter as Michael Howard was for the Tories in 2003. After the election a younger candidate can take over and after a few election defeats younger candidates often turn out winners, Blair, Cameron, Obama Trudeau etc, even Thatcher was thought inexperienced when she first became leader
Glos police investigating alleged electoral fraud. By election in Cheltenham? I'm hearing Lib Dems set to do well there tonight, so could be very interesting if anything did come out of the investigation. That government majority might yet evaporate before 2020...
According to Guido, it is up for the individual forces to apply for an extension to the time allowed for investigation. The number of forces which apply for this will give us a sense of how realistic this prospect is. I think it is quite unlikely.
There has to be something more than the BattleBus tour for anything to proceed. Any impact - even if it did fall foul of expenses law - would surely be de minimis.
Lisa Nandy. 20%? I don't get it. What has she done to be a contender? You can sort of, maybe, just about, see a case for Starmer or Jarvis. But even then, that's a stretch.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
Starmer could probably cut it as a possible PM. Whether he could cut it as a Labour leader is a different matter. Not entirely sure what the criteria are for that these days though.
Other than Watson - who'd likely be a Howard-esque caretaker, attempting to repair the party, Nandy is the only one of those up top who could unite the softer/saner Corbynites with the rest of the party and its MPs. She's on the left economically but has no truck with the Marxist delusions which turn Corbyn's platform from one MPs might bite their tongues and agree with, to one they morally cannot bring themselves defend. She's also a competent media performer, but funnily enough has largely been kept off the airwaves since giving plausible, honest answers which contradicted the leader's waffle until popping up again to force him to do the decent thing over Naz Shah. She's also got a biography to die for, being a plain speaking half-Indian woman from Wigan who worked extensively for charities before taking up politics. I wouldn't underestimate the appeal to the membership of a northern woman given how stupid the party of equality would look facing a top Tory team of say, May and Javid with a bunch of pale, male North London pensioners. The problem is if she wields, or is even remotely seen to wield the knife, she loses the key attribute she has over other candidates - being able to offer Corbynites a leader they can accept who might stand a chance of winning and implement their more coherent economic ideas. Benn is a no-go due to Syria. Can you see a party membership who saw an extension of airstrikes against ISIS as a war crime voting for an ex-soldier? Starmer might work but is a bit too dry and Watson will probably have to dirty his hands in any coup.
The only way out of the current Mexican stand-off which will eventually kill the party is to trigger a contest, with say Jarvis standing backed by the right and act as an attack dog, let the unions and the soft left who are aware of Corbyn's shortcomings (but hate Tony Blair too much to care) know that the non-Corbynite MPs and members are prepared for the MAD of a split because morally they can't be in a Corbynite party. However there is a way out - backing Nandy as a unity candidate on a pro-trident, anti-austerity platform and dispensing with the sidetracking nonsense. Jarvis then pulls out due to 'lack of support' and you're in business. Off the top of my head she's the only front rank Labour politician who's plausible in that role - hence her low odds.
John McDonnell is a far superior performer to Jeremy Corbyn.
I have up until today been a staunch Conservative voter, however since voting Conservative for the last time in the 2015 General Election I have slowly but surely moved toward the Labour party. I voted Labour in the local elections and Labour as my first choice for PPC, I chose the Lib Dems for my second vote.
The Conservatives under Cameron and Osborne are not One Nation Conservatives but rather Thatcherites of the most extreme order. The punitive cost of their administration on the poor and vulnerable has forced me to cross the Rubicon from Tory voter to Labour supporter despite the Corbyn takeover. I don’t like Corbyn’s defence policy or his immigration free for all. However, I thought voting Labour sends a better signal to the two chumps in Downing street than spoiling my ballot.
So, I took the bull by the horns today and thought in my own way to mount a solitary signal to Cameron and Osborne, which is F**k You! You have failed and are useless pair who need to be removed asap.
I did think about saving my protest until the European referendum, however I see no advantage in exit so I thought I would get my little protest in first and vote to remain in the EU later.
Democracy is a beautiful thing!
Everyone is entitled to their opinions (and the more the merrier, welcome) but I find your position very hard to follow. The National Living wage, the increases in personal allowances taking the bottom 40% out of tax, the reversal of the cuts in WTC, the real term increases in NHS spending, I could go on.
This administration is criticised fiercely from the right (and that was before the splits in Europe). It is claimed they did not cut enough, that they have increased taxes on the better off too much by the extra taxes on BTL etc, that they are far too soft and really Liberals in a poor disguise. How anyone can claim they are "Thatcherites of the most extreme order" is really beyond me. But welcome anyway.
Glos police investigating alleged electoral fraud. By election in Cheltenham? I'm hearing Lib Dems set to do well there tonight, so could be very interesting if anything did come out of the investigation. That government majority might yet evaporate before 2020...
According to Guido, it is up for the individual forces to apply for an extension to the time allowed for investigation. The number of forces which apply for this will give us a sense of how realistic this prospect is. I think it is quite unlikely.
There has to be something more than the BattleBus tour for anything to proceed. Any impact - even if it did fall foul of expenses law - would surely be de minimis.
Yeah, I would have though it would be a fine, and potentially a tightening up of the legislation.
John McDonnell is a far superior performer to Jeremy Corbyn.
I have up until today been a staunch Conservative voter, however since voting Conservative for the last time in the 2015 General Election I have slowly but surely moved toward the Labour party. I voted Labour in the local elections and Labour as my first choice for PPC, I chose the Lib Dems for my second vote.
The Conservatives under Cameron and Osborne are not One Nation Conservatives but rather Thatcherites of the most extreme order. The punitive cost of their administration on the poor and vulnerable has forced me to cross the Rubicon from Tory voter to Labour supporter despite the Corbyn takeover. I don’t like Corbyn’s defence policy or his immigration free for all. However, I thought voting Labour sends a better signal to the two chumps in Downing street than spoiling my ballot.
So, I took the bull by the horns today and thought in my own way to mount a solitary signal to Cameron and Osborne, which is F**k You! You have failed and are useless pair who need to be removed asap.
I did think about saving my protest until the European referendum, however I see no advantage in exit so I thought I would get my little protest in first and vote to remain in the EU later.
Undefined discussion subject.
Comments
The final sentence is the faintest of praise as well.
But the Labour party needs a unifier and who else but Ed Miliband to perform that role? My 200/1 bet might not be unconnected with that recommendation.
You need a candidate, who has demonstrated in opposition that they can make an impact and ideally land a blow.
OTOH, I do like Alastair's suggestion of Ed Miliband. His leadership now seems to be viewed within the party like a golden period of competence and success, he seems generally without enemies, and he could be viewed as a unity candidate.
Surely this is why there won't be a challenge? The mainstream can't move until the left - all of the left - is discredited.
http://election.pressassociation.com/declaration_times.php
As an aside on the elections in Woking today (specifically the St Johns Ward), I've noticed quite a few Lib Dem boards up around where I live. They always used to have a strong presence but they had almost disappeared last year when they lost a seat in the ward. I suspect they may feel more invigorated to back the party having seen the way the Tories have governed on their own. I'm not sure you can go as far as to call them green shoots, but I suspect at the local level at least the Lib Dems will make something of a recovery over next few years.
The public would like his persona and background.
He must have ambitions to be near the top of the party at some stage.
It's true the 'weevils' only surfaced by accident, but is it a good thing to re-unite with them knowingly?
I've had a couple of quid's worth for old times sake.
DYOR.
If he withdrew last time because he could not stand the harsh light of publicity, what has changed for next time.
I'm sick of the Nandys, Kendalls, Umunnas, Reeveses and Jarvises being put forward before they've done, or even said, anything relevant or interesting. Or shown they have any basic political skills or any sort of proven appeal to the general public, to compensate for the less-than-ideal policy stances.
He's a nasty chippy thug with health issues.
No.
https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/international-news/europes-current-economy/euro-collapsing-thanks-to-another-brain-dead-eu-proposal/
Trying to maintain something by force, like this measure does, is like the thinking behind the Berlin Wall. You'd think politicians would learn from history, and realise that this measure will only cause much embitterment, and not have a hope in hell of working. You'd be hoping for too much as far as the EU is concerned!
Benn is the closest IMO. He makes an impact.
Not a member of the party but got a vote through Union affilation.
I did not use my vote today , in the PCC elections as I do not agree with the concept of politicians running the police.
On the other hand I agree that Benn is not a runner because the membership would hate it.
I feel that Labour will have to roll the dice again and just hope someone inexperienced from the next generation can step up to the plate. Its a big ask. The Tories got very lucky with Cameron. Most experiments of that type do not go so well.
I have up until today been a staunch Conservative voter, however since voting Conservative for the last time in the 2015 General Election I have slowly but surely moved toward the Labour party. I voted Labour in the local elections and Labour as my first choice for PPC, I chose the Lib Dems for my second vote.
The Conservatives under Cameron and Osborne are not One Nation Conservatives but rather Thatcherites of the most extreme order. The punitive cost of their administration on the poor and vulnerable has forced me to cross the Rubicon from Tory voter to Labour supporter despite the Corbyn takeover. I don’t like Corbyn’s defence policy or his immigration free for all. However, I thought voting Labour sends a better signal to the two chumps in Downing street than spoiling my ballot.
So, I took the bull by the horns today and thought in my own way to mount a solitary signal to Cameron and Osborne, which is F**k You! You have failed and are useless pair who need to be removed asap.
I did think about saving my protest until the European referendum, however I see no advantage in exit so I thought I would get my little protest in first and vote to remain in the EU later.
Democracy is a beautiful thing!
Labour source fears "up to 10 losses" in Sheffield.
Losses will presumably be to UKIP, and possibly one or two to the Greens.
The only way out of the current Mexican stand-off which will eventually kill the party is to trigger a contest, with say Jarvis standing backed by the right and act as an attack dog, let the unions and the soft left who are aware of Corbyn's shortcomings (but hate Tony Blair too much to care) know that the non-Corbynite MPs and members are prepared for the MAD of a split because morally they can't be in a Corbynite party. However there is a way out - backing Nandy as a unity candidate on a pro-trident, anti-austerity platform and dispensing with the sidetracking nonsense. Jarvis then pulls out due to 'lack of support' and you're in business. Off the top of my head she's the only front rank Labour politician who's plausible in that role - hence her low odds.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_electoral_wards_in_South_Yorkshire
This administration is criticised fiercely from the right (and that was before the splits in Europe). It is claimed they did not cut enough, that they have increased taxes on the better off too much by the extra taxes on BTL etc, that they are far too soft and really Liberals in a poor disguise. How anyone can claim they are "Thatcherites of the most extreme order" is really beyond me. But welcome anyway.
People more interested in visiting the pub than the polling station.