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Who would make the best Labour Party leader?

08:34 UK time, Wednesday, 12 May 2010

Who would you like to see as leader?

Ms Abbott says her bid is "serious" and she feels there is little between the other candidates, so she is standing to offer Labour a choice. There are five other candidates in the contest so far - David and Ed Miliband, Andy Burnham, Ed Balls and John McDonnell.

A host of senior Labour figures - including acting leader Harriet Harman, former ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Secretary Alan Johnson and prominent backbencher Jon Cruddas - have ruled themselves out.

The result of Labour's leadership election will be announced in September at the party conference, officials say.

Where does the Labour Party go from here? What do you think of the candidates? Who else should be in the running?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Comments

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  • Comment number 1.

    Who ever the Labour Party think they have chosen as leader the true leader will remain the same as now.

    Mandleson, Prince of Darkness.

  • Comment number 2.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 3.

    I would think David Miliband or Ed Miliband.

  • Comment number 4.

    Bring back Tony Blair. The only one with balls in his party (apart from Harriet Harperson)

  • Comment number 5.

    Hopefully someone even worse than Brown :

    Harperson or Balls are two that spring to mind.

  • Comment number 6.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 7.

    I would like to think that true labour supporters would examine what it is they stand for and how closely the potential leader reflects that position. Not merely by the fancy words and spin, but from a depth of experience of life and achievement. It is easy to be seduced by the young career politicians who change with the wind to court popularity and present what they think you want to hear, particularly by negative opponent bashing.
    It should be noted that this approach led to largest loss of seats in living memory so clearly the approach failed. Let us see a new leader, not from this failed current bunch but one with the conviction and real passion to bring about the real change necessary to make the party strong once more.
    In my view, this excludes the Milliband Family, the Balls Family, the Harmann Family, etc. Get the drift?

  • Comment number 8.

    Oh Mandy,

    you came and you gave without taking....

    Vote Evil Genius

  • Comment number 9.

    No idea and have no interest until next election time. Which hopefully wont be too long

  • Comment number 10.

    David Miliband would make the best leader and Prime Minister. Also should add over 2000 people joined the Labour party last night + 600 this morning alone. No one wants this government, at least a majority doesn't.

  • Comment number 11.

    I'd say a pork pie. Most Labour stronghold constituencies would be won by a pork pie sporting a red rosette, so why not bow to the inevitable and make one leader? Mandelson could manipulate it behind the scenes in the normal way, and it probably wouldn't cheat on its expenses other than the odd jar of mustard. If it went to Wales, Scotland or N Ireland its size could be increased in line with the Barnett formula.

  • Comment number 12.

    I too agree there is a feeling of optimism in the air. I just hope it is sustainable and the new government is not sidetracked by petty disagreements and that it concentrates on the major issues that concern everyone in the country.

  • Comment number 13.

    some one honest

  • Comment number 14.

    Rearrange the following into a well known phrase: "Labour, who, stuff, leadership, gives, a".

    How refreshing to hear the words "Brown, Mandleson, Balls, political, wilderness" in the same sentence!

  • Comment number 15.

    I would like to see Alan Johnson, though he has backed David Miliband.

  • Comment number 16.

    "The next labour leader should be {Douglas Alexander} He has the right qualitys to make britain a great place again. or John Hutton.

  • Comment number 17.

    Believe it or not I thought GB was the best PM for the job. So he was labelled 'McStalin' - so what ? If he was labelled 'McBendover' to pressure then he wouldn't last 2 minutes.

    This was a media led and stupidly funded campaign by (you know who) and the Tories to get in so we'll see whose pa0ms they have to cross with silver on this one.

    Labour lost becase we were led to dislike him and not the policies.

    We'll see how the UK love Mr No policy Cameron in 12 months time.

  • Comment number 18.

    Whoever becomes leader, I hope the days of the "Spin Doctor" and the negative bile they spew out will be a thing of the past. On 5 live this morning we had to put up with Alistair Cambell spewing out his bitterness and venom with full force. His negative spin is one of the aspects of politics I dearly hope we will see reduce. Like many of his New Labour cronies they are far from gracious in defeat.
    Let us see a fresh face and fresh approach where the national assets are protected and the industrial base repaired as this generates the real jobs the country needs. Not Supermarket shelf stackers and inflated public jobs for jobs sake to distort unemployment figures.
    Fix the problems, not just the appearance of the problems.

  • Comment number 19.

    I just so surprised at my personal reaction last night when Gordon Brown left ...

    ... the end of bullying dictatorial Government ... and now hopefully caring but fatherly Government ..

    it is like a weight being lifted from my Soul.

    Whoever comes in for Labour, I hope they take note that a small controlling cabal of power mad politicians is not the way to run a Nation. Maybe Milliband is the sort to realise this - and to be less confrontational with the conservatives and work together to re-built the broken bonds between Scots and English for a start.

    We English have had too many Scots telling us what to do and think for too long now - can they not see that ? So, Mr Salmond, for a start you should stop talking solely about the interests of scotland and work in the full interest of the UK for now.

  • Comment number 20.

    Who ever gets to be leader of the Nu Labour as Mandelson put it this morning, that new leader will not get there with out Mandelsons say so, manipulation and approval.
    Labour needs to get rid of Mandelson to become a credible Party.
    If I had to choose a leader it would be so difficult because there are no true Labour MPs in Labour.
    They are all career MPs who have no idea how the man in the street will suffer with the cuts so that the Nu Labour debt can be paid off.
    Labour is now a defunct party that has proved it has no purpose in the 21st Century.
    After being in opposition for so long and having such a large majority and huge surplus this has been squandered on the rich so that Mandlesons friends are kept in the style they take as the norm where the man in the street has had to suffer under G Brown perception that any body who earns £12,000 + is on a middle income bracket and needs to be taxed.
    The Surplus could have been used to ensure that no one needs to have to struggle to pay bills and get onto the housing ladder.
    Earning a sensible none taxable wage would have been a crowning gloring in Nu Labours hat instead we are all straddled with G Browns debt and wars firmly backed by P Mandelson.

  • Comment number 21.

    gordon brown? 00ps sorry a labour supporter all my 78 years? david milliband? or let the deputy primeminister have a go? ladies get a fair chance in the labour party? or get a liberal? there always swapping about he he "bye"

  • Comment number 22.

    Jon Cruddas is the only one of the potential leadership candidates who will offer real change to the party and make a decisive break with the discredited New Labour brand.

  • Comment number 23.

    From the moment Gordon Brown entered N.10 on the 24th June 2007, he was doomed to failure, listened to poor advice, clearly took to many wrong decisions and was blinded by trappings of power….

    • His failure not to fright John McDonald for the leadership, didn’t give the people the impression of an election had taken place.
    • His failure to break the link with Blair meant he was Blair’s legacy and therefore to the people nothing changed.
    • His failure to call an election in October 2007 demonstrated his poor judgement and confirmed a lack of courage.
    • His failure to maintain discipline and control of MP’s, Ministers, departments, policy, information and data, demonstrated a clear lack of trust and leadership.
    • His failure to managed spending and debt meant that everything he had achieved as Chancellor was wash away.
    • His failure to understand the mood of the people and how they wanted to be part of the discussion over issues like the Ghurkhas, the 10 pence tax band, the referendum on the European Constitution, MP’s expenses and immigration.
    • But ultimately from the moment the Labour leadership failed to recognise the overwhelming opposition to a war in Iraq, when in 2003 two million marched in London – the new labour project was doomed to failure.

    So for everything that has been achieved over the past 13 years, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and New Labour, will always be remembered for these and other failures.

    Don't make the same mistakes and stay true to your supports!!!

  • Comment number 24.

    Bring back Kinnock. That would push the self-destruct button once and for all.

  • Comment number 25.

    Given their record I think the next leader should be ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖr Simpson. He's stupid, bigoted, inept, useless and cries when he thinks it might get him sympathy. Unfortunately he's also homophobic so I'm afraid you're toast Peter. Meanwhile back in the real world, none of the proposed candidates have any of the requisite qualities. Perhaps the odious Alistair Campbell might be worth a punt but then that brings us back to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖr Simpson who is infinitely more appealing. Frankly I think that the entire Labour party should be consigned to Room 101.

  • Comment number 26.

    Will the election for the new Labour leader be conducted using AV? Or will it be first-past-the-post?

  • Comment number 27.

    Someone with the guts to boot Peter Mandelson into touch once and for all!

  • Comment number 28.

    I reckon Genghis Khan would be the best person, certainly better than the last one

  • Comment number 29.

    Chairman Mao? Stalin? Mandelson? Harridan Harperson?

    No, Jacqui Smith's husband. He embodies all that is finest in the Labout Party's core beliefs.

  • Comment number 30.

    personally i don't like any of the labour professional politicians put forward, not one of them as ever held a real job in a world outside of politics, they have all been wrapped in cotton wool and protected by a political bubble inside the labour party, they know nothing about the working class people they are supposed to represent apart from what they read in books at college, the only person i have respect for is alan johnson who unfortunately is not running as leader. poor little rich boys with private expensive education pretending to be working class, what a sad bunch of losers they are

  • Comment number 31.

    Depends on the objective. The Labour party is out of date, out of touch and pointless.

    With an acceptable leader the agony will simply be prolonged. With blinking Balls, or Harperson, I suspect the Titanic will be where it belongs, on the seabed, quicker.

    A question for socialist politicians, who now more than ever are from priviledged backgrounds, and well paid compared to the average taxpayer:

    It is easy and painless to salve your social conscience by spending other people's money.
    Will you begin by spending your own wealth first?





  • Comment number 32.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 33.

    David Miliband, he has the ears of a serious intelect.

  • Comment number 34.

    problem with the labour party is that it has no members apart from the usual bunch of chancers and bright young univeristy things that see it as a path to a glittering future seeing as how the tory party is full.

    the labour party was founded to represent the views of labour. the only remnant of which is represented by the unions who bankroll the party. the unions are run by the same bunch of chancers and bright young things as the labour party so there's no change there.

    local labour parties are like the mafia. once in never out. back room discussions by the elect and keep the town hall doors shut lest the riff raff get in.

    labour leader? why not Vladimir Putin? I bet he could run an election and win.

    What's that? He's on his way to Dunfermline at this very moment?

  • Comment number 35.

    Might it be the same person who had the bright idea of miking Brown up prior to BiddyGate - and "forgetting" to cut the mike afterwards?

  • Comment number 36.

    I think this leadership election is an immensely important one for the Labour Party to get right, as they may be back in contention for power before too long bearing in mind the inherent policy incompatibility of a Tory/Liberal coalition.

    I don't believe this country is fully behind a Conservative-led government, and a significant proportion of grass roots Tory and Liberal voters will be understandably disillusioned by the ideological concessions their party has made in order to faciliate this coalition. This will undoubtedly strengthen Labour's position as the most credible left of centre party in the immediate future.

    The other key to regaining power is to elect the right leader to win back the crucial swing constituencies who in my view went Tory last week out of frustration with the existing status quo and Gordon Brown personally rather than because of any deep rooted allegiance to the Tory Party. An Ed Balls or a Jon Cruddas will not tempt these people back because they are too aggressively left wing and lack the personal charm required to appeal to the politically neutral.

    The only two figures in the Labour party with that ability are Alan Johnson and David Milliband. The former has ruled himself out to support the latter, so that leaves only one viable option.

  • Comment number 37.

    I think David miliband is the perfect option. Hes the younger, fresher choice that the Labour Party require right now, and hopefully he can have the 'Tony Blair' effect at the next general election

  • Comment number 38.

    Anyone, just about ANYONE except Lord Mandelson.

    I had some reservations about Tony Blair
    I had serious reservations about Gordon Brown
    I think it would be time to sell up and emigrate if Lord Mandelson ever became Prime Minster.

    I have to agree with OftenRejected that if new leader of the Labour Party were to be Harriet Harman, she would ensure Labour were voyted down for decades.

  • Comment number 39.

    11. At 10:04am on 12 May 2010, ClaudeBalls wrote:
    I'd say a pork pie. Most Labour stronghold constituencies would be won by a pork pie sporting a red rosette, so why not bow to the inevitable and make one leader? Mandelson could manipulate it behind the scenes in the normal way, and it probably wouldn't cheat on its expenses other than the odd jar of mustard. If it went to Wales, Scotland or N Ireland its size could be increased in line with the Barnett formula.

    =======================================

    This has to be the comment of the day! Thanks for that - I needed a good laugh after the disappointment of Cameron getting into bed with Clegg yesterday.

  • Comment number 40.

    "We English have had too many Scots telling us what to do and think for too long now"

    Give it a rest.

    As for Labour leader. Probably Miliband. He has that non descript look so loved by the voters of the UK.

  • Comment number 41.

    If Ken Livingstone were an MP it would have to be him. Otherwise Jon Cruddas.

    If only Harold Wilson were still alive, (and a few years younger of course)

  • Comment number 42.

    Jack Dromie would be good, with Harriet Harman as his deputy - it would be honest for Labour to be led by a hard left union man so there is no room for doubt as to their agenda, and a lesson in humility for Ms Harman to be subordinate to her husband. Of course they will go instead for plastic David Miliband or Ray Romano lookalike Ed Miliband or "mad-eye moody" Ed Balls because they are regarded as more palatable to the general public.

  • Comment number 43.

    I know I'll be lambasted on HYS for saying this, but I've always thought David Milliband would make a good leader. I base this on a fairly simple notion of going with my 'gut' feeling. As far as I'm aware (although i'm sure many HYSers will tell me to the contrary) he hasn't been involved in any particular scandal including the expenses row, and whenever I've heard him speak i've always thought he seems to be relatively straight-talking and assured. I generally consider myself a good judge of charactor, and my gut tells me he's the man for the job.

  • Comment number 44.

    658. At 07:08am on 12 May 2010, AlisoninGlasgow wrote:

    Where are the women in Cabinet or will they only be serving the tea?

    =================================================================

    I know it goes against the ever increasing demand for political correctness but how about allocating each position based on the best person for the job?

    How demeaning for females that you feel that positions should be given to females based on the fact that they are female.

  • Comment number 45.

    @James post 19

    "We English have had too many Scots telling us what to do and think for too long now - can they not see that ? So, Mr Salmond, for a start you should stop talking solely about the interests of scotland and work in the full interest of the UK for now."

    So it's ok for the English to rule Scotland, Ireland and Wales? Quite a racist comment there - I think you have to some soul serching why the English cannot offer a better alternative than Brown.

    IMHO regardless of country, the job should go to whoever is going to be the best at it and not because they are exclusivley johnny english.

  • Comment number 46.

    I do not think it matters a great deal at the moment,the party will squabble about who and why but the dark lord Mandelson will inevitably have a lot more to do with the new appointment than will be made public,after all it was Mandy who coined the "New" to adjunct Labour,in the pre-1997 media-sell of the "New"Labour party.Its really his baby,and especially since receiving a peerage,the power behind the throne and all that.I think Mandy will choose either Harriet Hardman or,the boy wonder(ing) David Minibrain,its not much of a choice,Alan Johnson is the one I would recommend to the party but I really could not care less right now.

  • Comment number 47.

    #8. At 09:58am on 12 May 2010, Osric wrote:
    "Oh Mandy,

    you came and you gave without taking....

    Vote Evil Genius"

    Nah. He can't be both Puppet-Master and Puppet ;-)



  • Comment number 48.

    They might as well bring back Kinnock because there's no hope of them getting back into office for at least a decade after what they did to us.

  • Comment number 49.

    If Harriet Harman and Ed Balls were joint leaders of the party would they get a driver each? This would at least make the roads of England safer for other drivers and pedestrians, especially children, and they could then each safely talk to the other on their mobile phones. Perhaps they would introduce a new Labour Party slogan: 'Members of Parliament are above the law'. Ms Harman could pursue her 'Equality for All (except me -you know who I am)'policy. Obviously Ed Balls has sound political judgement and is a master tactician. After all, his advice to Labour voters was to vote Lib Dem in certain seats. Oops!

  • Comment number 50.

    David Miliband seems the most obvious because from what I have seen from Question Time on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ, TV news interviews, his speaches and replys in Parliament he is much more capable and far far better than anyone else in the Labour party at getting his points across with an air of authority.

    In his speaking he is on a different and higher level to most, including his brother Ed.

    Others in Labour party would just be in the mould of Neil Kinnock & Micheal Foot, awkward and not really what the public would accept as PM material and as the face of Britain.

    Harriet Harman, Ed Balls, Alistair Darling, if elected Labour leader = no chance of being PM, Andy Burnham = small chance, Ed Miliband = no chance, David Miliband = best chance.

    The sooner Labour get a new leader the better because Harriet Harman will be a weak opposition in Parliament, she just does not carry any air of authority and her counter arguments will be weak.

  • Comment number 51.

    Well, one way would be for all Labour MPs to join a new Liberal Party (not Lib-Dem or Con-Dem). Then ivite all the disenchanted Lib-Dem MPs to join. Then elect a leader from all of them.

    A Milliband may do, or Cleggy (if he apologises), but not Ed Balls, too old and relaxed for political life

  • Comment number 52.

    I would go for Nick Clegg, he seems to be able to swap sides easily enough to suit his career.

  • Comment number 53.

    Frank Field

  • Comment number 54.

    I can't see anyone withn the Labour party up to the job. My personal belief is that the best (only?) person fit for the job left yesterday. Brown wasn't a popular leader/PM, but I think history will paint him a lot better than the present.

    However, some of his policies were overly elaborate and far-reaching and that, ultimately, was his downfall. It's sad; I thought that on the fundamentals needed to run a party/country he was impeccable. The Labour party shoulder responsibility for his failures, both in forcing him out and failing to reign him in when needed. I don't anticipate any clear direction for the Labour party with all the unrest being caused by inexperienced and lightweight 'newcomers'.

    I say this as an impartial bystander who has never voted Labour (or anyone, for that matter - but that's a different discussion).

  • Comment number 55.

    None of the above! Harriet Harperson would legislate to have all males castrated, Ed Balls (appropriate name) strikes me as a bully in the Gordon Brown mould. Why not have the pairing Peter Mandelson and Alistair Campbell, as they seem to run the show anyway? At least we would then know that everything they say is genuine 'spin'.

  • Comment number 56.

    The best Labour Party leaders would be Jimmy Cauty ('Rockman Rock') and Bill Drummond ('King Boy D') from the band KLF. Their claim to fame was wasting a million pounds by setting fire to it. Surely, Labour Party leadership potential here.

  • Comment number 57.

    Post 11.As opposed to the nodding dogs who are elected in Tory safe seats? I would welcome David Miliband as leader.

  • Comment number 58.

    10. At 10:02am on 12 May 2010, Adam wrote:
    David Miliband would make the best leader and Prime Minister. Also should add over 2000 people joined the Labour party last night + 600 this morning alone. No one wants this government, at least a majority doesn't.


    If no one wanted this Government why did your precious Labour not win??????

    Why, because they have completely broken this country!!!

    I voted Green but I am glad that we now have a strong team in No. 10 not the unelected Dictator that Gordon Brown was.

    GB "I have left this Country in a Greener state" why then did he fly back to Scotland. ???????

    GB I have left this Country in a more stable state" Why is he resigning as an MP???????

    Come on the Tories, at least the benefit system will be shaken up and they will have to work for a living instead of being the leisured masses.

  • Comment number 59.

    Anyone except David Milliband or Harriet Harman. Milliband takes sliminess to a level exceeding even that of Mandelson and was completely ineffective as Forign Secretary, following right-wing policies. Harman talks rubbish consistently, especially the inane comment about all parties needing a male-female top two. Alan Johnson is the obvious choice to me.

  • Comment number 60.

    Whichever one will look best in the X-Factor it has all become.

  • Comment number 61.

    Alan Johnson...but I don't think he seemed all that interested.

    David Miliband? Blairite clone.
    Harriet Harman? Electoral suicide
    Ed Balls? God forbid
    Mrs Balls? Better. That's the second home taken care of, any way, if they win.
    Ed Miliband. Dunno. At least he's not tainted yet.

    Frankly, there's going to be a bit of barrel-scraping going on. No John Smiths, that's for sure.

  • Comment number 62.

    David Milliband, while I (probably unfairly) rather dislike him, he is good at explaining things in a way that sounds reaonable and measured. I think he may have the ability to outclegg Clegg + Cameron in TV debates and that is now an essential quality for any leader.

    I hope evette Cooper, Ed Balls and Ed Milliband stand then we'll have a leadership contest between a husband, his wife, two eds and two brothers. weird!

  • Comment number 63.

    I say Peter Mandelson. Bring him to the fore so that everyone can see his scheming.

  • Comment number 64.

    Who cares?

  • Comment number 65.

    The question is "Who would make the best Labour Party leader?", not "Who will be the Labour Party Leader?".
    I think David Miliband should be elected leader: he's bright, young, innovative and already has strong backing from the highly-influential Alan Johnson.
    Ed Balls may be considered rather aggressive and less consensual in his approach, and Harriet Harman perhaps too old at 60 and strident feminism, an admirable quality in a Minister for Women, may not represent a particularly attractive characteristic in a party leader.

  • Comment number 66.

    Trouble is, both Blair and Brown systematically destroyed all other contenders for the leadership of the party... so the people left are all mediocre ones who couldn't mount an effective challenge.

    Any real socialists around? The sort who believe in the work ethic, fairness and all that stuff that seems to get forgotten as soon as you write 'MP' after your name.

  • Comment number 67.

    We are told that membership applications are rolling in. Let us just hope that the lessons learned in "manipulating" postal voting aren't going to feature in the choice of the next leader of Her Majesty's Opposition.

    Hopefully having received a private education will disqualify - so that saves us from Ed (Gordon II) Balls and Harriet Harperson.

    The only one with real "grip" is Peter (The Prince of Darkness) Mandelson. All other prospective candidates must be thankful he's not presently an M. P.

    Perhaps a sitting M.P. could be persuaded to sacrifice himself and resign in a guaranteed Labour seat and get him parachuted in.

  • Comment number 68.

    David Milliband

  • Comment number 69.

    I think the best leader would be a camel with a red rosette on its behind, because there will always be a hard core of Labour supporters who will vote for Labour whoever is in charge and no matter how bad Labour policies are for them.

  • Comment number 70.

    Anyone who will ensure the country never, ever elects a Labour government again.

    To that end, go for Mandelson, that should be a cast iron guarantee.

  • Comment number 71.

    "Oh Mandy,

    you came and you gave without taking...."

    Surely you mean ... 'You came and you took without giving ...'

  • Comment number 72.

    Is this forum getting bunged up?

  • Comment number 73.

    Who would make the best Labour Party leader?
    Judging on past performance " Stalin "

  • Comment number 74.

    The tories had to have four goes before getting a leader that could do well in an election, i.e. not scare people off.

    Labour had four goes after loosing power in 1979 before they got Blair.

    It is no good speculating who should be leader now, whoever it is either will not lead labour in the next election or loose it if they do.

    All current candidates are out of the running.

  • Comment number 75.

    If PR is the way to go, why aren't women proportionately represented on the Cabinet?

  • Comment number 76.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 77.

    Someone brave enough to tell the self indulgent MP's who ran to college green desperate to tell the press they wanted to leave the country to the Tories to take a running jump. How sick we all felt to be lectured to on democracy by a aging labour Lord and Diane Abbott.....it beggers believe! The liberals have made the best of a bad situation and labour have run to the hills and left us all to the wolves! Thank god the liberals had the guts to at least try to keep the Tory party on a leash....Maybe good this will happen despite the West Minster village being desperate for it to fail.

  • Comment number 78.

    Mr Bean, oh forgot we've just had him!

    It would be nice to get someone for whom spin is low on the agenda

    Frank Fields would be my choice, as that is unlikely Alan Johnson would have been second.

    Can't see how we can ever have a PM called Balls, that would be worse than a Chancellor called Darling!

    Milliband is too identikit Politico for my liking - same broken mould as bLiar

    Cant say that the Labour ranks are exactly overflowing with talent, I expect whoever takes over will be Labour's Hague, doomed to defeat and the long term leader is still to be seen

  • Comment number 79.

    David Miliband.He has the experience and the youth, plus we can't ignore the fact that telegenic people win elections and Brown bears with sore heads don't.

  • Comment number 80.

    Nick Clegg.

  • Comment number 81.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 82.

    John McDonnell or Jack Dromie. It would be nice to see that side of the party, or old labour as you will, make a comeback. But staying that way post 1979 didnt really do them any favours. Would the public want it?

    Either way we'll find out in due course

  • Comment number 83.

    Out of that bunch.... no one, because they all have been tinted with spin, Mandelson, Blair and Brown - how could we trust anyone of them?

    Some will say Harman, Alan Johnson some might even say Miliband... are you kidding? We'll have policies like 48 hours drinking, in other words they haven't a clue, we'll have more targets and red tape!

    The whole lot of apples needs to be tipped from the very top to the very bottom!

    All this because if Brown had gone yonks ago they 'may' have had a better chance... look at the yes no decisions not one of that bunch couldn't say "Hang on that's ridiculous, you can't do that" not one decided to put the brakes on and speak out...

    .... that's why I say no one is capable, ruling yes but not LEADING.


  • Comment number 84.

    Like the constant re runs of Neil Kinnock stumbling on the beach, should David Milliband be elected we will forever be shown his banana moment by the newspaper media, whether it is proper or not. and it will be like an albatross round his neck.

  • Comment number 85.

    How are we going to be led by people that have no understanding of how normal people live?

  • Comment number 86.

    Two words: Ed Balls.

  • Comment number 87.

    It would be good to have somebody with principles to lead the labour party. Not Conservative pary principles or USA Republican principles but the original principles of the party.

    The newspapers won't like it but at least it would be honest.

    Failing that how about a donkey? It's always said round here that if the Labour party put up a donkey it would get elected.

    They'd never be out of office and we'd probably get more sense out of the beast than the usual candidates.

    Ah! Dimocracy don't you just like it?

  • Comment number 88.

    Labour's next Leader must have strong , substantiated experience and maturity - and must demonstrate Team Building - Team Leadership - Team Development and Team Reward Skills at a very substantial level indeed.

    The New Leader must be of mature years with a comprehensive ability to negotiate at the ultimate levels of corporate activity.

    This must rule out - The Milibands - Ed. Balls and others who do not have these characteristics.


    Beware The ides of Mandelson !!!

  • Comment number 89.

    It doesn't matter which of the main contenders will be elected because it will be a cake walk for them. When the inevitable in-fighting starts between Tories & Lib-Dems the coalition will fall apart.
    The Save Dave campaign fought by Cameron and his henchmen will unravel once activists on both sides cannot stand the revulsion of working with each other.
    This coalition will kill the Lib-Dems in Scotland - where the Tories are reviled - and cause a lot of Lib-Dem voters to deflect from Clegg.
    12m maybe, max 2 years, before next election.

  • Comment number 90.

    Quite simple Gene Hunt.

  • Comment number 91.

    I want a government that is in touch with the people. We are going to be led by the privileged few where money and status and now power is no object. Will be interested to see how designered up they all will be while we have to watch every penny. They need to get out there and see what is really going on, rather than wait for the next election campaign. I think this will give Labour a chance to grow again.

  • Comment number 92.

    The great majority of voters in the UK sit within the spectrum running from the centre-left the centre-righ. Tony Blair recognised this, and launched the New Labour project to huge success.

    Since 2001 Labour has by increments steadily shifted leftwards and the party should recognise this as the No 1 reason for loss of votes (including mine I might add).

    It is clear therefore that the best leader should be someone with a centre-left vision for the party and also be someone who is prepared to negotiate (and compromise) with the Lib-Dems.

    If however Labour retreat to their core support on the left and the Con-Lib coalition is deemed a success, then the Tories might lose their 'nasty' tag. This could shift the way they are viewed by lib-Dem supporters and voters in the centre-leftto centre-right spectrum and if that happens then Labour could be out of power for a long long time, with or without AV voting.

    Those left-wing posters (i'm sure there will be many - there always are) would do well to take note.

  • Comment number 93.

    Darth Mandleson would be great. He can continue the farce New Labour have always been. Another unelected leader in as much as he isn't even a serving MP.

  • Comment number 94.

    re comment 17 Druid2007

    What sort of person allows him/herself to be led by the nose by the media? Learn about policies, compare manifestos, make your own mind up but don't blame the media if you are gullible.

  • Comment number 95.

    I reckon Nick Clegg. He could then take the hat-trick. He was leader of the Lib Dems, now hes leader (in all but name) of the Tories so two down and one to go. I understand hes practising his Scottish accent so perhaps he has the SNP in his sights too.

  • Comment number 96.

    Kermit the Frog?

  • Comment number 97.

    I do not care who it is as long as who it is can show up this disgraceful coalition for what it is.....a shabby deal. It is disgusting that the third place party gets power, selling up thier own principles to do so to prop up a Tory party that most of the country did not want to govern. The Figures do not lie the vast majority of the electorate did not want the tories, even less wanted the lib dems and what have we been left with a CONDEM coalition which will sell our country up the river, truly the british people and the electorate truly are CONDEM'D

    I hope that those who voted Lib dem to keep the tories out feel pleased with themselves cause they ended up voting them in!!!

    This however is a great opportunity for labour as they can sit in opposition, show up this shabby deal for what it is, prove to the country that they are the only true party of change and of principle cause they did not sell their souls or their party philosophy or principles for power. Then when the next election comes which will be sooner rather than later becuase this coalition will not work since a lot of the country hates it Labour will get back in with a majority since they are the only party who can legitimately say "Votes for us to keep the Tories out"

    I also think there will be a lot more red in Scotland, Wales and the North of England for no one will want the Judas Lib Dems anymore

  • Comment number 98.

    Hattie Harperson.

    yours,

    David C.

  • Comment number 99.

    Andy Burnham!!! I love his eyelashes. And he actually seems decent, no baggage, good, fair bloke.

    Anybody who's tainted with Brown/Blair/Mandelson/Campbell? Forget them.

  • Comment number 100.

    "10. At 10:02am on 12 May 2010, Adam wrote:
    David Miliband would make the best leader and Prime Minister. Also should add over 2000 people joined the Labour party last night + 600 this morning alone. No one wants this government, at least a majority doesn't."

    I would have thought that 2600 people joining the labour party just after G.Clown resigns is an indication of how many votes were lost just because he was in charge.

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