Labour Leadership Considered

Thought I should post with my thoughts on the Labour Leadership Contest.

Thought Number 1 - It should be easier for candidates to get on the ballot paper, especially when there is a 'vacancy'. I certainly don't think constant challenges to the Leader are a good idea, but when there is an open contest, it should be really 'open'. I think it would be a good thing for McDonnell or Abbott, or both, to be on the ballot paper, especially as it is not a FPTP election.

Thought Number 2 - There should be a Deputy Leadership Election at the same time. If that had happened I would have voted for Cruddas.

Thought Number 3 - I don't think the field is the strongest I have ever seen. Compare with 1976 when Jenkins, Healey, Crosland, Callaghan, Benn and Foot stood. Are potentially good candidates put off by the style of modern politics?

Thought 4 - So who to vote for? I am sure all the candidates have their virtues and it would be good if as many as possible could stand. Whether fair or not, I feel that Balls will never be popular enough in the country to serve as PM. I was not massively impressed by him at the DCSF. Milliband (D)'s support from some of the most Blairite probably does not help his cause and there is a feeling that his candidature is a 'back to the future' one. I don't see McDonnell or Abbott having a chance. So that leaves Burnham and Miliband (E). So as things stand I can see myself plumping for Ed Miliband and I have thought from the outset he will win. He is an extremely good speaker and I don't see him provoking the opposition that others might face from specific groups in the party. I think he needs to stake out a modern, liberal, social democratic approach where the Labour Party will be more committed to equality. If he does that I can see him being the next Labour Leader.