Blairite phoenixes aim to rise from ashes
BARCKLEY SUMNER

A NUMBER of senior Blairites are attempting to continue the Prime Minisiter's legacy by being selected in safe Labour constituencies. Their critics are calling this the "phoenix strategy".

Much of their attention is being focussed on the north-east of England, where many of Mr Blair's closest allies already have seats.

Former minister Barbara Roche, who lost her Hornsey and Wood Green seat at the 2005 general election, has been spotted in Stockton North on several occasions. This has infuriated Frank Cook, the sitting Labour MP, who has no plans to retire. He said: "Barbara Roche has been sniffing around a number of times. She hasn't had the decency to approach me. Anyway, I am standing again."
Ms Roche declined to comment when asked about her interest in Stockton North.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's own constituency party in Sedgefield is already preparing to replace him, although he has not yet officially declared he will stand down at the next general election. Minutes of the October 28 meeting of Sedgefield CLP record that the chair said: "The constituency would be strengthened if the selection process for Tony's successor is conducted in a fraternal way and expressed hope a candidate could be chosen from within the constituency."

Phil Wilson, who originally worked for Mr Blair in Sedgefield before joining his Downing Street staff, is being touted as the frontrunner.
Also actively seeking selection in the north east is Patrick Diamond, a former special advisor to Peter Mandelson before he switched to Number 10 Downing Street. Mr Diamond is currently a visiting fellow at Northumbria University. His exact role is unclear. One Labour insider on Tyneside described him as a "fellow visiting Labour seats".

To boost his regional profile, Mr Diamond recently wrote an article for the Northern Echo in which he argued that the north east should be given greater autonomy.

He was also a speaker at the recent North East Economic Forum, which was organised by Sovereign Strategy, the lobbying company with close links to "new" Labour, particularly in the north east.
Mr Diamond has been linked with both Darlington, where it is thought Alan Milburn could stand down, and Sunderland Central where Billy Etherington has announced he is retiring.

Meanwhile, Phil Collins the head of the Downing Street policy unit, has been heard confidently predicting that he already has the selection in Bolton South East sown up. Mr Collins is hoping to replace Brian Iddon (majority 11,638), who has announced his departure. Mr Collins has frequently visited the area and emphasises his family's close connections with the constituency.

However, Labour's National Executive Committee could yet stymie the parliamentary aspirations of Mr Wilson, Mr Diamond and Mr Collins. Early next year it will rule on which Labour held-seats where the sitting MP is retiring must select from all-women shortlists and which will have open selections.