Well done John Reid!

John Reid supposedly will stand in a contest against Brown if Miliband refuses. I, for one, think Reid should be appluaded for such a move.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/08/nlab08.xml


In response to grimupnorth's deluded spin on this, I think this is a good thing for the Labour party.

We need a proper challenge to Gordon Brown in the interests of democracy and in the interests of the party. It is clear that Brown is being considered more and more unsuitable to be leader - we need a change.

Firstly, it's absolutely right that Reid is encouraging Miliband to stand. He is the one of the best people to actually give Brown a run for his money. And secondly, Reid is right to say that if Miliband doesn't stand, then he will. It's wonderful to see somebody in New Labour who is actually prepared to stand up to Brown and stop him leading the party to a huge downfall at the next general election.

I may not necessarily vote for either Reid or Miliband, but I absolutely want them to stand. I want to see a proper contest with candidates who can inspire the party and lead us to victory. Brown cannot do this (and it should go without saying that neither McDonnell nor Meacher can either). If this story is true, I applaud Reid for having the guts to challenge Brown and actually allow us a proper vote on the future of our party.


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Re: Well done John Reid! (#1)

Forgive me for being cynical, but I do think that Reid is rather desperate to remain in government. He knows that if Brown becomes leader he will be heading straight for the backbenches. Go figure.

But regardless, there's no reason why a Blairite shouldn't stand. It's all pefectly democratic.

I don't quite see the point of choosing between Miliband and Brown though. The only difference is in personality.

Re: Well done John Reid! (#2)

Well personality matters a lot when your the Prime Minister! That's why Blair was so popular when he came to power. Brown will suffer with his personality.

But regardless, there's no reason why a Blairite shouldn't stand. It's all pefectly democratic

Exactly. That's the main point here.

Re: Well done John Reid! (#4)

Well done to Reid if he does decide to stand.
Reid is probably the most experienced Minister around, having held, altough but briefly, many of the top portfolios. Recently, he's done a courageous thing in actually moving Home office reform forward; while others talked and dithered he's taken that bold step. But he'll lose against Brown and its still the back benches for Reid, whatever happens.

Re: Well done John Reid! (#5)

Absolutely no reason why Reid should not stand. It's his motivation I call into question.All it's about is a personal agenda  with Brown. And, would he fare any better with the public? Hardly.

Re: Well done John Reid! (#11)

Can't do any worse than Brown.

Re: Well done John Reid! (#3)

Certainly I don't want Milliband to stand; as he is incompetent. Also it has been mentioned to me  by  various Tories personally, also it's obvious from Tory blogs that thay would prefer milliband as leader, because they think he would be a more easily targeted Labour leader than Gordon Brown.

Re: Well done John Reid! (#10)

Yeh, right! As if Tories fear Brown more than Miliband - you're not being paid by Cameron are you?

Re: Well done John Reid! (#6)

John Reid has had many jobs, but just not much experience in any of them. If he can improve his stature in one department, by serving it well, and staying there for a couple of years, then why not, he should stand. But he is constantly promoted. And we haven't really seen any lasting impact that he has made on a department

Re: Well done John Reid! (#7)

Question. Is Jr actually John Reid?!

Re: Well done John Reid! (#8)

Or John Redwood?

Re: Well done John Reid! (#12)

It's already well established that I was in Dallas (the TV programme, not the city).

Re: Well done John Reid! (#9)

I've personally been in favour of a John Reid candidacy for a long time. As you rightly say, the salient point is that we need a serious contest.

Re: Well done John Reid! (#14)


Those two sentences do not appear related in any way!

:-)

Re: Poor Jr (#13)

Oh My God! You Were Shot?

Re: Poor Jr (#15)

Well yes, but it was all a dream!