I am now a fence sitter when it comes to the Labour Leadership election… by Jane Watkinson, at My Political Ramblings 5:50 am / 30 August 2010
Ok, I was wrong. Whilst I supported Diane Abbott at the beginning of the campaign trail, before the campaign had really begun, because of what she stood for – her campaign has been so bad I really can’t continue to say that I think she would be the best person for the job. I mean, none of the candidates are really that good, a candidate made up of pieces of each candidate would be better. But consider the news that as few as 11 MPs will be voting for Abbott, it is a sure reflection of how negative and regressive her message has been. Instead of focusing on the future, on what she can offer, she focused on herself and her, whilst being good, voting record.
I am not really sure who I would back if I was pressed for a decision now. Most likely, it would be Ed Miliband, as he seems the most able to unite a progressive vision without creating too many internal divisions within the party. But, Andy Burnham has had some progressive tax ideas, and Ed Balls has a very competent economic message. Nevertheless, the former would be better staying at health, undertaking his National Social Care system (great idea) whereas the latter would be best put as shadow chancellor. When it comes to David Miliband however, I know I would definitely vote against (well, tactically anyway – giving its AV). If Labour want to avoid going back to the days of Blair, where progressive values are mere ethical objections – then they need to stay well clear of him.
Nevertheless, I have come to the decision that none of them are really that path breaking, and I can’t really see any of them remaining a long-term prestigious leader. I just hope whoever the leader is they are set on carving out a progressive alternative to the current ConDem message, and that they don’t buy into the right-wing ideological necessity argument.
And yes, I can sit on the fence :)








