Leadership contenders (Well ones for the Labour's Deputy)
With all the newspaper coverage surrounding the Tory Leadership election, David Charter wrote an insightful article into who may well become the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party in The Times on Saturday.
It comes as no surprise to learn that Gordon Brown is odds on to take over the Labour leadership, however the favourite to become his deputy could seemingly prove quite interesting.
Before Robin Cook’s untimely death it was being suggested that there may well have been some sort of deal to bring him back into the Cabinet – although we will never know what position he would have been handed.
If as is suggested, John Prescott stands down at the same time as Blair, then New Labour have to choose a deputy. On first inspection various candidates seem to sping Out. Jack Straw would be up there – Foreign Secretary; Charles Clarke – Home Secretary, although I would suggest he doesn’t have the best relationship with Brown, or even Patricia Hewitt.
However according to David Charter – the current favourite is Alan Johnson – Trade and Industry Secretary. I first came into contact with Alan Johnson when he was Post Office Minister, as I had to provide parliamentary answers to every questions asked about the company. As a former postman and leader of the CWU (postal workers union) Alan was well versed in the issues faced by the business – but could also appreciate what it was like for Union members. It is that experience that may well take him to the deputy leadership. As Charter points out in his article, Alan Johnson could be the one man who is seen by a Blairite by the Blairites, and a Union man by the Unions.
Could the Conservatives learn something from this. I suggest they need to look for a leader who wins the support of traditional Conservatives – whilst at the same time has the vision to introduce the radical changes that are required to re-engage with the thousands of voters who have deserted the party. Is there a single person who embodies this. I think so.
It comes as no surprise to learn that Gordon Brown is odds on to take over the Labour leadership, however the favourite to become his deputy could seemingly prove quite interesting.
Before Robin Cook’s untimely death it was being suggested that there may well have been some sort of deal to bring him back into the Cabinet – although we will never know what position he would have been handed.
If as is suggested, John Prescott stands down at the same time as Blair, then New Labour have to choose a deputy. On first inspection various candidates seem to sping Out. Jack Straw would be up there – Foreign Secretary; Charles Clarke – Home Secretary, although I would suggest he doesn’t have the best relationship with Brown, or even Patricia Hewitt.
However according to David Charter – the current favourite is Alan Johnson – Trade and Industry Secretary. I first came into contact with Alan Johnson when he was Post Office Minister, as I had to provide parliamentary answers to every questions asked about the company. As a former postman and leader of the CWU (postal workers union) Alan was well versed in the issues faced by the business – but could also appreciate what it was like for Union members. It is that experience that may well take him to the deputy leadership. As Charter points out in his article, Alan Johnson could be the one man who is seen by a Blairite by the Blairites, and a Union man by the Unions.
Could the Conservatives learn something from this. I suggest they need to look for a leader who wins the support of traditional Conservatives – whilst at the same time has the vision to introduce the radical changes that are required to re-engage with the thousands of voters who have deserted the party. Is there a single person who embodies this. I think so.
posted by Jonathan Sheppard @ 7:32 pm
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