Unite Backs Wrong-Daily...

[ToraToraTora]

Let's hope she gets it eh!

[Ellipsis]

Well, no. Lack of a decent Opposition is not good for many people, except those with their snouts deepest in the trough ...

[Mozz71]

Agree with ellipsis. Strong opposition leads to either a stronger government or the removal of a weak one. RLB will not lead a strong opposition.

[ToraToraTora]

I know but 5 more years of Corbynite hilarity? come on!

[Old_Geezer]

Hardly hilarious for the nation.
I suspect it may well take more than a mere 5 years of change to become a possible electable party as it is, without extending it further.

[gollob]

Not really that important as the Labour party has only ever had 4 winners at the ballot box during their 120 year history

[ludwig]

Predictable because it's Mcluskey's union and he's a Corbyn loony.

[Deskdiary]

As a dyed in the wool Tory, I agree it would be hilarious to see the minnow RLB as the Labour leader, but, and it's a big but, I would like there to be a strong opposition, and I particularly want a strong opposition leader.

Our system works best when there's an opposition that keeps the Government on its toes and, unfortunately, we just simply don't have that at the moment, and I can't see it happening for many years to to come.

Keir Starmer is the best house on the crappiest street - RLB is the crappiest house on the crappiest street.

[mushroom25]

will she prolong the "I have here a letter from Kathy in Streatham" approach to PMQs?

[Ellipsis]

> Unite Backs Wrong-Daily...

Their name is an anagram of Untie ...

[naomi24]

People who want a credible opposition from this bunch may as well go whistle. It doesn't exist.

By the way, has anyone seen Diane Abbott lately? I haven't seen sign of her since she was photographed wearing odd shoes - both left. I wonder if she's ill?

[retrocop]

// I wonder if she's ill? //
How would one ever know?

[brainiac]

...like Dorothy Parker once said when told President Coolidge had died: "How can they tell?".

[emmie]

i prefer Keir Starmer come what may, think he will be more of a unifier of the party

[ToraToraTora]

naomi: I think they locked Abacus and Lammy away somewhere and haven't let them out yet.

[Ryzen]

Diane Abacus says..." the leadership contest is a one horse race..between Queer Charmer and Wrong Daily" :-)

[andy-hughes]

I believe the issue for the Labour Party moving forward is one of control.

The power source, which will heavily influence the choice of new leader, is firmly rooted in the same mentality as Mr Corbyn and friends, which is simply failing to acknowledge and accept the reasons for their comprehensive defeat.

Those reasons are clear to anyone who wishes to see them - an unelectable leader offering unworkable policies.

If the power source is stubborn enough to elect a leader who actually believes that the previous incumbent and policies were correct - as it appears Ms. Long-Bailey does - then it deserves the time in the wilderness that will follow, simply for being too stubborn and pig-headed to accept where it went wrong in the first place.

To be honest, Labour have form in this area - the selection of Ed Milliband followed by Jeremy Corbyn demonstrates their stubbornness in choosing unelectable leaders with an almost willful disregard for the realities of modern politics - namely, you need a leader who can actually lead, and policies that the electorate are likely to believe in.

It remains to be seen if the grass roots movement can wrest control from the Islington set, and start actually acting like a political party that is intent on taking part in politics, instead of pretending that the entire thing is some sort of metaphysical theory test in Marxism.

I am delighted not to be a Labour supporter - things do not look good for them moving forward.

[New Judge]

//It remains to be seen if the grass roots movement can wrest control from the Islington set,//

It's not just the Islington set, Andy. Momentum is a far bigger influence on the Labour Party (at least as far as the leadership election goes) and they want a Corbyn clone.

[dannyk13]

Looks like the Corbyn influence is going to carry on after he leaves.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7926681/Jeremy-Corbyns-bid-plant-stooge-Labours-ruling-body-leader-quits.html

[Old_Geezer]

Mr. Corbyn is entitled to a view. I'm sure all those eligible to vote will make their own decision and take others' with the customary pinch of salt.

[jourdain2]

I'm with others in their desire for a credible opposition. Democracy operates with checks and balances. I can't, honestly, see any of the list of contenders offering a sensible direction - so we seem to be doomed to a semi-permanent slanging-match for the foreseeable future; when what we need is honest debate ------------ and that's what they are paid for!