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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to think that the far left of the Labour Party are doing themselves no favours

83 replies

Ohbehave1 · 28/11/2015 00:20

Diane Abbott saying that Chairman Mao did more good than harm.

John McDonnell threw a copy of Maos little read book across the despatch box and said the George Osborne should take a leaf out of Moas book.

Since when has a person who murdered or caused the starvation of over 60 million people been a good man?

OP posts:
jacks11 · 29/11/2015 01:08

I agree OP- the general lack of competence or effective leadership makes them look so amateurish. There lack of effective opposition is letting this government get such an easy ride. All governments, of whatever political persuasion, need an effective opposition to hold them to account.

The budget was a prime example. Osborne made a u-turn on tax credits, found money to spend on police, military etc from the OBR change in forecast (and if this turns out to be wrong, he could be in trouble) after claiming the country couldn't afford it previously. That should have made it so easy to give them a rough time. But did labour manage to do that? No! Why- because McDonnell decided to try the Mao "trick"- it was so predictable that this would backfire and could easily be misconstrued thus overshadowing anything else he had to say, sensible or otherwise. Yet, McDonnell did either not have the political nous to understand that or decided petty point scoring was more important. Added to that, the way Corbyn arrived late- just before the chancellor started talking- seeming very non-plussed by the whole event, it just does not inspire confidence.

Or take Corbyn having to clarify that, yes in the event that terrorists were on British street(s) attacking people he would accept the police shooting to kill to stop that. I find it incredible that he could not be coherent enough to make that clear the first time he made a statement about it. He needs to start thinking before speaking.

The mess they have got themselves in over the potential of intervention in Syria is yet another example of the ineptitude. I understand that when he met with the PLP to try and hammer out a party position on this matter he simply read from a statement and then left, no discussion and no attempts to actually persuade the labour MPs at that meeting round to his way of thinking. That is not leadership. Then the next thing he issues that letter, which just caused more strife rather than settling things down. Meanwhile his deputy and shadow defence secretary openly disagree with him and then his side-kick McDonnell says they "probably" will allow a free vote after all. Chaos reigns again.

I accept that Corbyn has a grass roots following, and was voted for by a ledge majority, which does give him a mandate but he needs to speak with and for the whole party not just those who agree with him. He needs to persuade people of his way of thinking, not just engage with those who already agree with him. If for no other reason that a percentage of non "corbynites"/Labour supporters will need to be persuaded that he is capable of being the next prime minister and the party have policies which they can agree with. That includes a lot of floating voters, like me, who have no particular allegiance to one party.

At present Corbyn is not inspiring me to have confidence in him. Nor are many of his key supporters. I think a number of Corbyn's policies are downright barmy. I won't vote Tory as things stand, but I definitely won't be voting labour either while this lot are in charge.

IPityThePontipines · 29/11/2015 01:23

I just feel like Corbyn is being set up to fail, but then I think the scrutiny on anyone in that position is ridiculous.

The Ed Miliband bacon sandwich picture was disgrace, but the media revelled in it.

As for the Tories, they don't need Labour to tear them apart, just wait until Osborne vs Johnson kicks off.

TwistInMySobriety · 29/11/2015 06:39

I think if you read accounts of life under communist regimes it can be an eye opener

In that you realise that in some ways it was actually better in terms of services such as childcare, electricity provision in remote areas, workers' rights and so on? Grin let's not forget life under capitalism is grindingly hard for much of the planet.

Translator1000 · 29/11/2015 08:01

IPityThePontipines (great name BTW - why do you pity the Pontipines ?? Grin) - I agree re. the being set up to fail but I guess he probably doesn't have the charisma/know how to bring people along with him?

Difficult to know what goes on behind closed doors or how bullied by the PLP he might be feeling. If it's really true that he did not spend any time trying to persuade his MPs to vote against the bombing but first read a statement and then sent a letter, then I am a bit Shock. On the other hand he may feel ostracised and shouted down whatever he says Sad.

How do you think the Osborne / Johnson fight over leadership will play out? They both come across as absolutely self interested (which Jeremy Corbyn doesn't - much more in it for the right reasons but inexperienced) and I really hope neither of them end up as PMShock.

manana21 · 29/11/2015 09:36

I can't stand Corbyn's policies, I couldn't care less about his perceived etiquette sleights. No thanks to a national education service, unilateral disarmament or re-nationalization. Couldn't care less if he can't bow or say prayers etc. Capitalism reformed itself over time - all of the great labour working conditions changes in the 19th century in this country were brought about under capitalism, just as wages and working conditions are rising in China - not fast enough, but we can choose not to shop at shops that do not meet ethical standards. Whereas Russia is still a mess, un-free, journalists killed and no rush of people desperate to move there.

SettlinginNicely · 29/11/2015 09:59

Agree manana21.

Capitalism is far from perfect and we are right to critique it and reform it constantly, but the alternatives produce terrible results in terms of human rights, freedoms and prosperity.

jacks11 · 29/11/2015 10:44

translator

It was reported that he read a scripted statement at the meeting and did not engage in discussion, source was MPs at the meeting. Can't categorically state it is true, but has been reported.

On the other hand he may feel ostracised and shouted down whatever he says
Unfortunately for him he is currently the leader of the labour party and the man hoping to be the next prime minister. His job is to lead, that involves taking the flak when people disagree with you and when your policies are criticised. It means engaging with people who do not agree with you and trying to persuade them round to your way of thinking. You can't only talk and engage with people who agree with you, whether that be at home or on the international stage. So I'm afraid I don't have a lot of sympathy if he is "feeling shouted down".

That said, I hope he does not become prime minister. I think it would be a disaster for Britain if he implemented some his current ideas and I don't think he would make a good prime minister.

latebreakfast · 29/11/2015 11:04

YANBU.

None of that seems like "honest straight talking politics" to me.

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