On the Labour leadership, and, as an outsider, very tentatively...
The second choice preferences are revealing. The fact that Starmer gets many more than Long-Bailey is a big plus for him, and should be seen that way. 1/4
The second choice preferences are revealing. The fact that Starmer gets many more than Long-Bailey is a big plus for him, and should be seen that way. 1/4
The key task is to win the next GE. That will not be done without a united Labour party (and will be much more easily done with a united opposition). 2/4
Labour needs to be looking at a leader to persuade those who did not vote Labour in 2019 to do so next time. That means appealing not just to 'Nandy supporters', but also to 'Swinson supporters' and 'Johnson supporters'. Without that appeal, Labour will lose again. 3/4
This does not mean seeking to ape others' policies, but it does mean aiming to construct a narrative which appeals to a broad base. I can see that might be difficult for many within Labour. But, the alternative is more defeat. 4/4
Essentially, I can’t see how ‘the left’ can win without votes from the centre. Equally, I can’t see how ‘the centre’ can win without the left. Only a united opposition, focused on opposing the PM (not on each other), can, given FPTP, win.
