Who should be the next Labour leader and why?

[Penguinotterfoxbadger]

If you are a labour voter, or would consider voting labour in the future, who do you think they should elect as their new leader? Why?

I'm instinctively drawn to Dan Jarvis, mainly because he doesn't fit standard mould (had a proper job before becoming a politician (in the army), didn't go to Oxbridge) but I'll admit that view is connected to my own prejudices so I'm keeping an open mind.

I'd be very interested to hear your views!

[MajesticWhine]

Dan Jarvis has ruled himself out apparently.

[Penguinotterfoxbadger]

Oh bugger! Can you convince me who is the next best person to support?

[MuttonCadet]

Dan would be sensible to wait 5 years, get into the shadow cabinet and then go for it.

[claig]

I'm not a current Labour voter, but may be one one day as I have been in the past.

Rachel Reeves, in my opinion, is the best person they have got by a country mile. She's Oxbridge, PPE, but that's OK because she is good. But I don't think she is standing.

Saw Liz Kendall on the Sunday Politics today and was impressed. She is Oxbridge, but that is OK if she is good. Have not been convinced by her in the past on Question Time etc, but she came across well today. She said lots of stuff I disagree with but said it in a convincing sort of way. I think she could well be a good leader.

Keep hearing about Dan Jarvis but haven't seen him, so can't say. However, I wonder if they are hyping him for spin because of his ex-miliatry background. I want people who have merit, not who tick the right boxes. Don't know how good he is, will have to see him on Question Time etc.

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Andy Burnham would be a credible candidate: a decent man, capable of applying the healing balm breed by the party, and helping work out and articulate what Labour is actually for

[Bursarymum]

I think that if they seriously want to get back into power in 5 years they are going to have to go for someone more Blairite.

[Isitmebut]

As someone interested but don't give a rats who it is, I as one who understands Labour's pre 2010 record and would therefore exclude those who were there, I was intrigued by Dan Jarvis's pre political record of armed forces discipline/credentials - and although saddened by the family cards life dealt, the picking himself up and doing what was right for his family shows even more character.

I personally think 'none of the above' current suspects e.g. trying knocking on working class doors and get across your message with a Trisram as leader lol, and look for the hidden gem amongst the other 200 and whatever MPs.

[MrsUltracrepidarian]

Hoping it will be Tristram to keep them out for another five years after the next election.

[Lambbone]

I'm a Labour voter, and I pay the political levy as part of my Union subs, so I will get a say in this.

It's a toughie, isn't it? Needs to be someone who will command the loyalty of the core vote, yet reach out to, and inspire, the electorate beyond that core.

I wish Alan Johnson would change his mind, but he's not going to, is he? Chuku looks impressive but I fear he might come across as a bit of a metropolitan snob.

This is so tough. We have to get this right.

Floating voters - who would float your boat?

[EthelredOnAGoodDay]

Dan Jarvis is MP for Barnsley where I used to live and as far as I can gather, is held in high regard by constituents. It's a shame he's not standing but I can see why.
What about Andy Burnham?

[Isitmebut]

As the party seems to be saying it has to move closer to the political centre, what about David Miliband?

Is there any chance/way for him to come back within the next few months as an MP and potential leader elect - as he had more support from Labour MP's and grass roots in the last leader election than Ed?

I also say that as although I commented pre 2010 may not be so 'desirable', he was more on the Blairite wing many are now saying Labour should get closer too, and I can't remember him doing too much controversial, other than (I think) saddle us with all the different coloured bins, wave bananas around, and might have been Hiliary Clinton's potential stud muffin - which might come in useful if Hiliary becomes President.

What with Alan Sugar and Alastair Darlings scathing comments today on the anti business and rubbish manifesto, it is possible that the Shadow Cabinet of the past 5-years might become more 'toxic' for candidates than the pre 2010 Labour Cabinet - especially if current leader candidates never challenged Ed's strategy.

[claig]

'Is there any chance/way for him to come back within the next few months as an MP and potential leader elect - as he had more support from Labour MP's and grass roots in the last leader election than Ed?'

Louise Mensch, who knows what goes on, tweeted that she thought she might be losing a neighbour in New York soon. She also tweets about Chuka and doesn't think he will get it, she says he is not that popular with some of the Labour MPs etc. Don't know if that is true, but she usually has her finger on the pulse. She predicted Farage would lose and UKIP wouldn't do that well and as we all sadly know, she was right.

[Bursarymum]

Well of course UKIP was not going to do well because luckily, most of us who turned out don't support fascists.

[glenthebattleostrich]

It is a shame Dan Jarvis has ruled himself out. I met him at the polling station on Thursday and he's a really nice bloke, spent a while with the little boy I had with me telling him about his job and just came across really well. The awful woman across the border in Wakefield could learn a hell of a lot from him.

[ShellyBoobs]

I could be persuaded to vote Labour again, if the right leader was elected.

The only two I currently like idea of aren't going to be standing, so it's a waste of time me saying this really, but I'd like to see Alan Johnson or David Miliband take it on.

[Penguinotterfoxbadger]

Do people really want a more Blairite leader? If so, why?

[ThisFenceIsComfy]

I do not want a Blairite leader. It would be incredibly short sighted to go back to someone like that.

[Isitmebut]

If I was in the Labour Party or a voter, I would listen very carefully to the words of David Miliband and Alastair Darling this week, as they pinpoint Labour's 2010 and 2015 manifesto problems (I believe both written by Ed Miliband) - as neither had a serious plan for economic growth/personal aspirations, or solutions to our current economic/deficit problems.

I always asked the question was that reason Labour was being slippery not give any bad news e.g. larger tax rises than other parties, before an election or they were clueless what to do - and judged by what has come out over the week, it was the latter - which would have been an economic disaster for the UK.

The term 'Blarite' I would suggest, means a POPULAR (not threatening) Labour leader able to win elections offering INCLUSIVE plans for national/personal growth, a leader whose focus/policies understands businesses and profits (paying the public sector and welfare bills) are crucial to the success of any Labour's future plans - and understands the working non ZH and MW lower and middle classes aspirations, far better than Brown or Miliband did.

[Penguinotterfoxbadger]

IsIt - what do you mean by "non ZH and MW"?

[bikeandrun]

I've just joined the labour party ( stable door, horse bolted etc) but I feel I have to do something rather than swearing and moaning about the current situation. Just started looking at the possible candidates like the look of Chuka initially but a lot of chat about him seems a bit negative any more opinions? My views are probably towards the centre ( voted lib dem in 2010)

[fortyfide]

I see MP Miss Kendal of Leicester has got out of the blocks fast in the Labour leadership campaign. She was on the BBC Womans Hour today giving it some wellie Is she your MP? I know very little about her

[LittleLionMansMummy]

Chuka is charismatic and I imagine would appeal to a lot of current Conservative voters, so if you want an electable Labour leader he may be the man. It would be great to have a black prime minister one day too. However I would think he may not get the support of unions or the traditional left thus losing core support. I like Burnham, maybe Cooper. It's a shame Jarvis counted himself out - his decision speaks volumes about him as a person. Politics needs people like him and he's highly regarded in my dh's home town.

[jellybeans]

I am hoping for Chuka and failing that then Andy Burnham. I think Chuka has the right charisma etc, he looks the part, he knows his business and he has a fresh look. He may appeal to young voters. Can't have anyone too associated with Blair etc and need a 'fresh start'.

I have read criticism about him but there isn't that much. Yes he went to private school but his life was hardly easy if you read into it. he said something about 'trash' on a rich social network apparently but he has apologized and is it really that big a deal if it was taken out of context? Only other thing I read was he stormed off TV interview but I watched it and it wasn't that bad. Some claim he is blairite but others that he isn't. People comment that he can't do it as he is black or has a 'foreign name' but those are frankly insulting.

[MuttonCadet]

Chuka is well thought of outside the labour party, as I mentioned on a previous thread the IoD chief economist really rates him, so he might be able to get business backing, especially if the alternative in 3 years is Boris Johnson.

[fortyfide]

I suppose Andy Burnham will start favourite. But why oh why take 6 to 9
months to make the choice???