I don't think Benn will win the DL contest- I'd put money on either Hain or Johnson getting it. But anyway, you're probably right about the Foreign Sec, I can see him doing that job very well.

The presumption that Hilary Benn is too good for the deputy leadership position - for that is what you imply - is erroneous. It would be a waste of Hilary's considerable talent for him not to be elected to the position of deputy leader. Furthermore, there is no reason why he couldn't both be a cabinet minister, and be deputy leader. Nevertheless, should the party decide someone else is best suited for that position, I would hope that Hilary remains a cabinet minister - for he has more than proven himself in the position of Secretary of State for International Development.

Hasn't anyone read the newspaper allegations today? Much as I like him and hope for him to get a good Cabinet position, I doubt he'll even get on the ballot now.

Its almost becoming like Benn is 'the Westminster outsider'! As 45 nominations mean 6 candidates can be on the ballot, and Benn has polled as the most popular amongst members, it would seem rather a travesty if he were not there. Historically, Deputy Prime Minister has not had meaningful departmental responsibilities, rather being a subsidiary role for a senior minister. It is John Prescott who has made it a role of substance, and as I think he has said recently, it is in the Prime Minister's gift, and does not necessarily go with being Deputy Leader. For me, having Benn as Foreign Secretary and Deputy Leader would emphasise the political nature of Labour's foreign policy, which in the future I think many members would be happy to campaign on in national elections. Given that local constitutional reform to create more vibrant and inclusive communities should involve cooperation with other parties, it may even make sense to have a Deputy Prime Minister who took on that responsibility in a less party political way, leaving local parties to mount their own campaigns as they see best.

Don't really want him to be the DL, but I'd quite like to see Benn become Foreign Secretary.

The Telegraph story is a clear attempt to de-rail the Benn campaign before it really begins - you do wonder where it came from. It is also a non-story as it is clear that Benn has done nothing wrong. Should Benn be deputy leader? Yes (for reasons that I have articulated on several occassions). However I do think we need to move away from the present party structures as they are presently organised. The party chair should NOT by de facto be a member of the Cabinet but should be elected by the membership and should have a voice in how the party membership can influence - and interact with - the party leadership.