On the day of what became electoral Armageddon, I was neverthless amused to read a piece in the Guardian by Brownite acolyte Patrick Wintour. The article was about the local elections, but the second par referred to a leadership Conference resolution in which twas alleged there was "no interest."
Rule 1 of journalism. If something is not news, you do not put it in the second paragraph. Therefore I concur Number 10 is briefing against this it delberately - and that there IS concern at the highest levels over Calder Valley's bid to change the rules. Hardly surprising. Lets just say Gordon has to give up the ghost. Passing this resolution in September would mean only 30 MPs would be necessary to get a candidate on the ballot. That, hopefully. might see candidates from ALL wings of the Party getting the chance to stand as Leader. And, given the nightmare we suffered yesterday, it would certainly be feasible to get John McDonnell on that ballot and indeed obviously a soft left candidate like Cruddas. Such an event would finish off New Labour as the Party would collectively ensure Real Labour values were re-instated and Purnell, Blears et al consigned to the dustbin of history . At the moment, it's the stuff of dreams. But it's also a scenario whch I wager will be giving some people in New Labour nightmares. So I urge serious lobbying in the months ahead to get this through. ......we all know as things stand no-one will get thge 70-plus signatures needed to challenge Brown. But if events change then things could happen very, very quickly. And, in the 24 hours or since I originaly posted these thoughts, the media is once more febrile with speculation.......
Saturday, 3 May 2008
LEADERSHIP ISSUE ON AGENDA AGAIN..
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9 comments:
I agree the leadership issue will come up.
I think we should stick to policies. If there's an assassin let it be a right-wing assassin.
Do you think Brown would ever consider standing down? I don't think he has any intention of doing so.
Some are going to suggest that a new, younger, prettier leader who looks a bit like Cameron and Clegg is the route out of our problems.
We should be absolutely clear that it is not. What is needed is a major policy shift, and a major policy programme.
I back your resolution, but think the timing is inappropriate. It should wait until after the election.
Point is though that MPs are there to represent us, not the other way round.
The timing couldn't be more appropriate, Tom (if you're referring to the Calder Valley rule change?) It's the first real opportunity since the 'coronation' so the timing can be seen in that context. Any other timing would be seen as a suggestion that it was soon to be used (or should be). Also, it needs to be in place before any future leadership election; if one comes along beyond our control (under whatever circumstances) it will be too late to do anything about it then.
I agree with your last point.
I think it'll take too long to challenge - we just don't have time. We just need Brown to stand up and say New Labour is over, we're here for ordinary people, and we're going to do x and x practical policies. Tell me that Labour's going to build thousands of council houses and put all its energies into tackling poverty, and I will do anything for the party, and I'm sure everyone would agree.
John - there's a discussion about precisely that on Labour Left Forum (there's a link from this blog).
Ken for leader!
The long and short of it is that Brown has to go. I am afraid he is damaged goods and I just don't think he is the right person to get Labour out of this mess, even with the right policies - I just don't think people would believe him.
I think Brown would rather go to the country than stand down - and that'll be the threat that will be hanging over any attempts to undermine him...
Aah - don't you just love 'democracy'!
the timing is inappropriate. It should wait until after the election.
Why? Way things are going, then after the election a challenger will probably need only ten or twelve nominations.
A leadership change before the election is the only way to avoid that wipe out, and this rule change is the only way to get a leadership change.
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