Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

“ If you want a Labour leader who can win the next election then start by answering the question: who do the Tories fear most?”

64 replies

BertrandRussell · 15/12/2019 10:24

Matt Ford just posted this on Twitter.

Who do you think? I think it has, sadly, to be someone who looks and sounds like them and can fight them on their territory. Has to be Kier Starmer.

OP posts:
WrongKindOfFace · 15/12/2019 10:28

As much as it pains me to say it, it will have to be a man. Someone who gives the impression that they’re Tory lite.

Sadik · 15/12/2019 10:46

I'd say Sadiq Khan. But I don't think he can stand as not an MP!

Sadik · 15/12/2019 10:47

Strangely (because he isn't by background) I think Kier Starmer comes across as too posh?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Politics
Original poster
BertrandRussell · 15/12/2019 11:03

Yep. Middle class white man too. Which rules out my favourites. Sad

OP posts:
ForalltheSaints · 15/12/2019 11:13

It is a different question if the answer is specifically about Mr Johnson or about the Tories in general, I think. Owing to Mr Johnson's attitude towards women.

DrDreReturns · 15/12/2019 11:22

I'd like Yvette Cooper (assuming she's willing to stand again)

bigchris · 15/12/2019 11:22

Can't we keep all this to the politics board ?

Gribbie · 15/12/2019 11:23

Is the working class vote shift to tories sticky? I don’t think so.

InfiniteSheldon · 15/12/2019 11:25

I think Emily Thornberry she has the makings of a female Boris/Trump. Arrogant self opinionated despises the traditional Labour voter. By historical precedent that makes her a shoe in.

Original poster
BertrandRussell · 15/12/2019 11:52

Pretty sure that we will pick the wrong person anyway....

OP posts:
HoneysuckIejasmine · 15/12/2019 11:56

I also think it'll have to be a man to win back some voters, someone of same ilk as Andy Burnham. Certainly not Long-Bailey who is too close to Corbyn and also looks very young. I've heard Lisa Nandy mentioned a lot but don't know enough about her to say.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 15/12/2019 11:59

i think Emily Thornberry I would bet any working class white man who has ever flown a St. George’s flag would Disagree with you

EnthusiasmIsDisturbed · 15/12/2019 12:01

I think Labour need to not get into a contest on personality - they won’t win (unless someone charismatic like Blair suddenly comes along)

So someone quite opposite. If Starmer starts to reconnect with leave voters I think he would be good. He is very intelligent can outsmart Johnson and very straight he does not play to please a crowd this is what Labour has to avoid on relying on but show they understand people’s fears and concerns and accept that the vote was to leave

If Starmer and others do not accept this and push for us to rejoin the EU they will not win voters over apart from a few ardent Remainers whos voice bad become quieter as time goes on

SingingLily · 15/12/2019 12:01

We feared John McDonnell.

Find the person who is his complete opposite and Labour might be in with a chance.

Mintjulia · 15/12/2019 12:03

Agree, Andy Burnham has shown himself to be hard working, supportive of the business community and the north, puts in the hours and is fairly centrist.
Not sure he would want to be an MP again though.

thefattestchip · 15/12/2019 12:08

Keir Starmer would outshine Boris Johnson in every way.
Sectors of the British population are just too misogynistic to vote for a woman.

TheOliphantintheRoom · 15/12/2019 12:10

Keir Starmer. Hilary Benn. Both are intelligent and articulate. They could make Boris look like an idiot at PMQs without coming across as arseholes themselves.

I am really afraid of this hard right Tory govt.

Mominatrix · 15/12/2019 12:11

None of the above. Data show that labour this election is not a one off - support has been slipping for decades now and the only reason 2017 did not have the same result as 2019 is a) the Tory leader in question and 2) labours more supportive stand towards Brexit. Even in this election, the gain in conservative vote was not as bit as the loss in the support for Labour.

The traditional northern Labour voter will balk at having yet another liberal, educated remainder Londoner shoved in their faces.

Mominatrix · 15/12/2019 12:13

Hilary Benn??? You must be having a laugh. Read this which is happening in his constituency!

Katharinblum · 15/12/2019 12:13

Lisa nandy mp for wigan who voted for the WA and has some credibility with leave voters, also involved with the centre for towns thinktank, centrepoint and childrens society. Watched her this morning on andrew marr and was impressed. Also heard good things about dan jarvis, military background and held his seat in barnsley. Also keir starmer.

thefattestchip · 15/12/2019 12:13

'The traditional northern Labour voter will balk at having yet another liberal, educated remainder Londoner shoved in their faces.'

Yet traditional Labour areas voted for Boris Johnson?

joystir59 · 15/12/2019 12:14

A strong northern woman circa Nicola Sturgeon

joystir59 · 15/12/2019 12:14

Boris doesn't come across as educated though,and he got the vote because of Brexit.

Mominatrix · 15/12/2019 12:17

The Conservatives did not win the north as much as Labour lost the north.

I'd agree that it would need to be someone a la Nicola Sturgeon. Too bad Labour lost Scotland decades ago.

joystir59 · 15/12/2019 12:18

The next period will see the Tories get Brexit done,whatever that might look like, so the next period for Labour is not about Brexit but the state of the nation. So the next leader needs to be selected on basis of their input and commitment to the wider Labour manifesto, not their stance on Brexit