David Miliband: how Labour can still win

sunderkatwala Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 11:41:39 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

David Milliband writes in The Guardian, mainly about how Labour can take on the "status quo" politics of David Cameron.



Apart from the Miliband commentary piece itself, there is a fairly straight news report on the front of The Guardian.

There is a somewhat daft report in The Times, which opens by saying: "David Miliband tomorrow dares Gordon Brown to sack him by setting out how Labour can still win the next election in what is being seen as the launch of his leadership bid".

Hmmm ... can't find that bit myself.

An alternative approach, especially for those of us who think it should be possible for Labour to debate its agenda and how to challenge the Conservatives, would be to instead discuss what the article actually says.

Unlikely and too radical, I realise, but perhaps we could try it here.


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David Miliband: how Labour can still win | 44 comments (44 topical)

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#1)

by NorthernMonkey on Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 11:46:24 PM GMT

Miliband is certainly setting out his stall in this article and why shouldn't he? Whether he wants to challenge for the leadership now or not, he's perfectly entitled to criticise the current drift in the party and demonstrate how he wants to change it.

I'm particularly pleased about his recognition of the need for greater devolution.

I look forward to the Miliband-Johnson dream ticket whether it be sooner or later.


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#2)

by jkitleft on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 12:12:07 AM GMT

Quite encouraging.

I liked his part about calling Cameron a conservative. He's right. There's nothing new. Actually, Thatcher normally chose capitalism over conservatism.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#3)

by NB on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 06:45:58 AM GMT

DM's article is excellent in many ways. It is a devastating attack on Gordon but that is essential to decontaminate the Labour brand.  Note how he begins "I agree with Jack Straw" and then without ever mentioning Gordon says: "To get our message across, we must be more humble about our shortcomings ...we should have got on with reforming the NHS sooner...We should have devolved more power away from Whitehall and Westminster."  Absolutely.

I don't think there is any real chance of Labour winning, but to avoid wipe-out the strategy he suggests is essential.  And it can only begin when Gordon goes.


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#4)

by Peter Kenyon on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 08:12:24 AM GMT

Dear NB

Alternatively, it could be read as an attack on the way the Labour Party has been formulating policy for the last 11 years - top down, command and control. Give the people and the Party clear evidence that we have learned that lesson and I think we can win. That means in the first instance we have to find a way of convincing Gordon Brown over the summer that it would be in his interests too.

My suggestions will be posted on my own blog here:

http://petergkenyon.typepad.com/peterkenyon/


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#5)

by oratorhunt on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 08:58:27 AM GMT

Whilst in general I would support moves to democratise party policy making, do we really think the wider voting public cares about the internal structures of the party.  We should be careful not to turn purely to introspection as we lose popularity - that way lies the Bennite cul-de-sac.

But Miliband is right in calling for "real change, not just in policy but in the way we do politics".   To change the culture of politics and re-engage the voters we should be looking at a package of democratic reforms - elected Lords, PR, Votes at 16,empowering local democracy...


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#6)

by swatantra on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 10:32:34 AM GMT

Good to hear from Progressive Labour in that it has finally decided to pull its finger out and start making a difference. Milliband's thoughts are welcome and encouraging; but it would also be useful to hear from Alan Milburn who has remained in the shadows for a number of years now but could have an important role to play in a new Administration.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#27)

by swatantra on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:15:15 PM GMT

...rather like a 'Tory', 'token' or otherwise.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#7)

by Curlew on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 01:13:37 PM GMT

Having just read the article, I wonder if it is Tony Blair talking.

Winning the peace in Iraq?  what does that mean - chumming up to Bush again?

"Now we need the imagination to distribute more power and control to citizens over the education, healthcare and social services that they receive" Sounds like mass privatisation to me, we each get our budget and shop around the rich ex-NHS business to spend it?

Devolving power from westminister and whitehall?  Again more privatisation.

No thank you Mr Blairiband





Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#8)

by jdc on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 01:38:53 PM GMT

Are local councils in the private sector now, then?


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#9)

by Reasonablesocialist on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 03:18:10 PM GMT

Come on Miliband put us out of our misery and challenge GB


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#10)

by treborc on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 03:45:18 PM GMT

What is he standing for, change in the NHS what change more private companies, he has already said Welfare reforms does not go far enough, so this would mean his change would be more of the New Labour.


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#11)

by DDave3 on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 03:46:22 PM GMT

It's a solid article that did much to lift my spirits. The timing, as Miliband will well know, is suspicious but frankly he outlined what need to be said.


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#12)

by Andrew Judge on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 04:53:53 PM GMT

David Miliband certainly has my support. It is difficult to renew the Party in Government and no-one has ever really succeeded before, but it must be worth an immense effort now. There is little doubt that the Conservatives are constrained by their ethos and attitudes, not least on European issues, but we cannot rely on them being 'found out'. At the moment, few are listening to Labour and the media are currently denying a hearing. We need to develop a movement for change in Britain that speaks to these new and uncertain times and connects with concerns and aspirations. We must advocate our purpose with clarity, banishing triangulation and inconsistency. We will not achieve all the change we desire before a general election, but we can forge the terms of the debate.

I believe that climate change and destruction of biodiversity constitute a greater challenge than has faced any generation. For the first time, we have clear evidence that globalisation is constrained by limits in the natural resources available. With food and oil prices increasing alongside depleted fish stocks, changing rain patterns and melting ice caps, we can comprehend clearly that we must adapt our behaviour far more than is currently planned.

I have been encouraged and impressed by David Miliband's initiatives, such as beginning discussion in the Party around 'one planet living' and personal carbon credits.

I believe the clarity we are seeking would be increased through the wholesale adoption by Government of sustainable development principles: coherently implemented and consistently applied.

The Climate Change Bill should be changed to include the UK share of carbon emissions from both air and maritime transport. We should reject inconsistent policies like a third runway at Heathrow: in reality predicated on the failure of our carbon reduction targets. A real adoption of the principles of social justice should also mean aiming to reduce the gap between the poor and wealthy, with inter alia, a tax on high incomes, regulatory constraint on the enrichment of company directors (particularly in the context of corporate failure) and a windfall tax on oil and gas company profits. The money should be spent on energy efficiency measures on low value properties. It also means supporting those on average earnings and less through community energy schemes: increasing incentives and reducing barriers to renewable energy and CHP. On this we are way behind countries like Germany. It also means local schemes to provide affordable housing, sustainable transport and food.

I concur with David Miliband's comment on the failure to devolve more power. Mrs Thatcher reduced the powers and standing of local government as part of a vindictive policy intent on neutralising political opponents. Despite a number of progressive measures since 1997, that standing has never been properly restored. Many parliamentarians disparage local councillors, no doubt often on the basis of personal experience, but in doing so they reject the possibility of improving local democratic political engagement. We should aim at the effective rebirth of local government: with greater local financial sufficiency and powers of initiative. Distrust by central politicians and civil servants should be overcome: after all much of local government is now more efficient than Whitehall!

As a minimum, we should return the business rate and reform the council tax to make it more progressive. An environmental compact between every level of public authority could include a duty placed on local government to deliver carbon reductions in local neighbourhoods as a contribution to climate change targets. Local government should be able to deliver on local sustainable development: working with housing associations to build and adapt affordable housing to high eco-standards; providing fiscal incentives for householders and commercial landlords to improve energy efficiency; and supporting local energy, food growing and transport projects. Where councils fail to take the initiative, local people, acting through referendums or petitions in neighbourhoods, should be empowered to insist upon action. Why not introduce a legislative requirement on local government to establish and maintain a WIKI process of continuing citizen interreaction in neighbourhoods and across different fields of interest?

In terms of the NHS, why not democratise it: replacing all non-elected boards with elected councillors, whether nominated by local councils for the PCTs, or directly elected for NHS Trusts?

Honesty is an important antidote to disconnection with the public, but so is a thorough reform of the way we conduct politics. Cynicism is increased by the perception that the main political parties consist of alternating parliamentary elites of career politicians, who view politics partly through the lens of personal and collective self interest. We must make it clear that we treat parliamentary representation as an intrinsic and vital part of a political movement for reform. MPs and councillors should engage continuously with their constituents to ascertain their concerns and aspirations and respond to them with practical measures. They should have a local contact rate, that is have spoken to and identified the views and concerns, of 25% of constituents as a minimum every 4 years. If they cannot manage that they should be ineligible for reselection.

We need parliamentary and council candidates who lead local campaigning and engage actively with the local community.

We now have a continuing reform debate and I look forward to David Miliband's next contribution.

Andrew Judge


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#13)

by RomC on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 05:09:19 PM GMT

I do think Labour can still win, but it needs a far fresher face than this. A lot of people seem to be talking up Yvette Cooper now. This is begining to sound like a genuinely exciting option (now we've not had any of those in a while!)

http://www.labourhome.org/story/2008/7/30/93912/2507


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#35)

by adwilliams134 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:48:51 AM GMT

Yvette Cooper?  hahahahahahah PMSL

Ed Balls
Allowances

Nothing further needs saying


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#14)

by snowflake5 on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 06:22:38 PM GMT

Miliband's article has got a really negative response in the Guardian comments. Mainly because he seems to have defended Iraq and has talked about winning.

Everytime we tell the public we will win, they seem inclined to punish us. It's like a red flag to a bull. A period of saying nothing would be really helpful till the public mood calms.

I don't think Miliband is the answer. He's a couple of months older than Cameron but looks a decade younger - looks like a boy. He's also cool and cerebral, when what we need after Gordon is a warm people person. Jacqui Smith or Denham or Ed Miliband would be preferable - but none would be in a position to run for leader till after the general election due to issues of marginal seats/lack of experience.

I really think we need to take a big step back from this and take a deep breath. There is no need to make a decision about this now. 


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#15)

by snowflake5 on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 06:47:50 PM GMT

P.S. I really recommend people taking at look at the 500+ comments Miliband has attracted. He's inspiring a level of ferocity and bile that Gordon Brown's articles don't manage (Gord puts people to sleep instead). Some of the people responding are undoubtedly Tory astroturfers, but not all.

All my instincts are screaming that a leadership election now would not help Labour and may make things worse. It's the combination of being disloyal and offering more of the same that seems to be upsetting people.

The next iteration of Labour has to be subtly different, and for that we need time to assess why exactly people are upset with us and how exactly we should change and adapt to deal with it. Which is why we should be having this discussion after the general election.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#18)

by Floating voter on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 07:24:01 PM GMT

"Miliband's article has got a really negative response in the Guardian comments."

You're not kidding! I stopped reading after about the 40th or 50th comment. Well - that's the end of that. I don't believe for one minute that every Miliband hater on the 'net decided to hit the Grauniad website. I looks like his speech really has gone down badly.

This really puts Labour in a pickle. The public detest Gordon and the only viable candidate has just shot himself in the foot.

I'm astounded.....


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#19)

by snowflake5 on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 07:46:46 PM GMT

I'm astounded.....

Well I'm not. Think about what the criticism of Brown is - that he promised a change from Blair, but hasn't changed enough.

Well Miliband represents no change from Blair at all, policy-wise. He's just as bullish as Blair on foreign policy - whereas Gordon is cautious and neutral, and is carefully extracting us from Iraq. Even when Gordon commits extra troops to places like Afghanistan, you get the clear impression that he takes no pleasure from it at all, he is doing it sadly from grim understanding of what we are up against. The public is sort of OK with that - they understand making hard decisions on war with a heavy heart. But they don't like people who enjoy war though, they don't like war-mongers.

On the economic front, can Miliband deliver anything that Brown can't? At least Brown did protect us from world weakness in 2001-2005. He has the best chance of doing it again of any of the cabinet.  

The public are probably thinking, might as well stick to Gordon, at least there are no surprises there.  

Add to that, that challenging the leader just 12 months after you nominated him smacks of disloyalty, and you get something really toxic. As I keep trying to point out, the public hates disloyalty. 

Then there is the personality thing. Blair was a natural media performer, witness his turn with Catherine Tate. You just had to admire him. Brown is awkward, but that too is authentic, he's a shy man. Miliband comes across cold. If we change leader, we need someone warmer and more of a people person than Gord, not less.

There were good reasons why Brown was chosen last year, and that's because none of the rest were up to it (Prezza was speaking the truth when he pointed this out recently). There is potential among some of the newbies, but they need time and won't be ready till after the election.

So we must simply grit our collective teeth and ride this out. It's our best option. Anything could happen in the next two years after all.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#24)

by DevonChap on Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 01:21:09 PM GMT

Yes, anything could happen in the next two years. So cheer up, the Earth could be destroyed by an asteroid! (more likely than a Labour victory I'd say)


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#16)

by fluffymike on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 07:01:34 PM GMT

To be honest, a Miliband challenge (excluding other, and personally preferred options) gives this stark choice:

Win with sadly right-wing policies under Miliband
Lose with sadly right-wing policies under Brown.

Because despite his policies being right-wing I do honestly beleive Labour might win another election under Miliband.

Of course, if we had proper decent policies like those outlined in the May Manifesto, I think we'd win easily - because they reflect the comments and concerns that people share on the doorsteps, and offer solutions that are practical and far more popular than the drivel that emanates from certain quarters!


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#17)

by snowflake5 on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 07:16:29 PM GMT

Why do you think Labour would win with Miliband? He seems to be more bullish on war and foreign policy than Brown, which I think is a negative. At the moment, people want the government to concentrate on domestic policy

P.S. James Purnell's reforms of welfare have gone down really well with voters. see this poll  page 6. Some of the detail on Cameron makes interesting reading too - some of his ratings are surprisingly soft - voters think he is "somewhat shallow" and a lightweight for instance. In my opinion it's worries about the economy that are driving everything. It would be the same no matter who was our leader. We simply need to hold tight and ride this out.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#21)

by fluffymike on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 07:56:08 PM GMT

Well he is foriegn secretary so one would expect his current public focus to be in that area!

I just think he is able to communicate better than Brown, has a vision for this country, and has the ability to convey that vision in a way that comes over very well.

I don't think we'd be bogged down in the seemingly make-it-up-as-you-go-along headline grabbing that is so reminiscent of the Major years. Miliband is a policy wonk - he isn't likely to rush into policies when he's spent ages agonising over the minutiae of strategies etc.

That's why I honestly do think he'd win...

It wouldn't be my preferred brand of Labourism, but it will be better than a Tory govt and I don't particularly subscribe to the get into opposition and recover the true Labour Party strategy that is supposed to be favoured by some - though I've never heard anyone actually say that apart from media spinners!

That link is fascinating though - yes, Cameron is very soft - and the Tories even more so... which is why the right combination of good leadership, a strong vision, and decent policies will swing this situation round.

Purnell has managed to get good headline grabbing policies that initially sound very popular across well - as this survey indicates - but once you start talking to people about exactly what the implications of privitising services are, they quickly take a different view.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#23)

by LabourOutlook on Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 09:49:52 AM GMT

On Purnell's reforms, the detailed breakdowns (page 8) are also worth looking at

Taken together, C2s, Ds and Es support the proposals by large margins

Labour voters are also in favour of them by large margins.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#44)

by jkitleft on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:34:17 AM GMT

People who think that our 'core vote' feel betrayed by these reforms have little faith in the working classes. The work ethic is most notable in workers like dinner ladies, nurses, cleaners etc.

This is hardly an Ayn Rand like policy. I remember watching a Simpsons episode where Maggie is dropped off at the 'Ayn Rand school for Tots'. When Marge explains Maggie's feeding times, the manager of the center tells her that "When a baby reaches for a bottle, they are saying "I am a leach". Our aim here is to develop the bottle within."

As long as childcare costs are subsidised, with an infusion of Ken Livingstone style discounts for low-income earners on transport, the reforms amount to a good policy.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#36)

by adwilliams134 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:50:32 AM GMT

"James Purnell's reforms of welfare have gone down really well with voters. see this poll"

Yes.  We saw how well they were received in Glasgow East.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#20)

by madasafish on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 07:48:56 PM GMT

Miliband is wrong : quiet simply for the following reasons:
1. Gordon brown is useless: we all agree.
but
2. Labour - as a Party - are hated. Like the Tories but worse. The reasons are obvious.


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#22)

by skids on Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 08:21:46 PM GMT

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables> <w:SnapToGridInCell> <w:WrapTextWithPunct> <w:UseAsianBreakRules> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]-->snowflake5  Sorry but your comment “we need time to assess why exactly people are upset with us”  is one of the funniest things I’ve read in years.


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#28)

by adwilliams134 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 08:23:40 PM GMT

David Cameron is a shallow, shallow man.  You would drown in Cameron before you even got yoour socks wet in Millipede.

New Labour - both Blairite & Brownite is finished as is anyone connected with either camp.

Accept it and move on.  It's the electorate who ultimately decide - and politicians who either backstab or make excuses repulse them..


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#29)

by ComradeNorton on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 10:09:20 PM GMT

He's not much of a strategist is he? 

The first rule of any fight is to weight up your enemies means and will to fight.  Miliband can be correct all day long (and may even be a better leader) but he lacks the guts to just resign and fight the election campaign and now looks somewhat infantile.

Somewhat shot his bolt now hasn't he. 


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#30)

by swatantra on Sat Aug 02, 2008 at 09:35:35 AM GMT

The last thing Labour wants is a civil war. Why resign when the whole thing can be settled in a gentlemanly and amicable way.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#31)

by ComradeNorton on Sat Aug 02, 2008 at 12:09:53 PM GMT

Then why write an article which was basically "I'd quite like you to get rid of Gordon as I think I would be first in line"?  He looks happy to wound but too cowardly to strike decisively.

 


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#32)

by Fairdos on Sun Aug 03, 2008 at 09:45:47 PM GMT

As time goes by its becoming clear that little Milly has struck too soon; whereas Brother Ed has sensibly kept his powder dry. If Labour ever get a chance to recover it will be Ed who may get a crack at the crown, while Dave will have many years to regret his premature dash. Oh dear!


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#33)

by bigblackhorse on Sun Aug 03, 2008 at 09:52:13 PM GMT

Labour are in the position they were in before they made themselves electable by rebranding as New Labour. They are seen as a party of big business who pay lipservice to the poor. If you go back down the New Labour route you are in serious trouble. Milliband is seen as New Labour and reminds people of Blair. Blair is very unpopular. Forcing the idea that New Labour are really very good is not a good idea. The public don't believe it and will think you are trying to fool them. Middle England is not the main problem. Scotland will decide the fate of New Labour at the next election and the Scottish have realised that New Labour are not really socialists. They have a viable alternative party to vote for in the SNP. These people will not vote for New labour or Milliband and you will lose the election. If you want to win the nexy election you will have to convince the scottish electorate that you are socialists while at the same time projecting a different image to Middle England. This is a hard balancing act. I would suggest that Scottish Labour becomes a separate organisation which will be the voice of Labour in Scotland. It should be seen to operate independently from New Labour and openly differentiate itself from New Labour. Nobody in England will notice this as they don't give a toss about Scottish politics. You are then free to pitch a New Improved more caring kind of New Labour to the English. I would suggest you select a good looking woman who comes across as caring yet intelligent. It is important that she is good looking as this will appeal to men as well as women. 


Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#34)

by ComradeNorton on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 07:38:10 PM GMT

Whilst people below the age of 12 are allowed on this site, they should only really post if they have something intellegent to say. 


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#37)

by adwilliams134 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:54:23 AM GMT

bigblackhorse is actually right.  Feel free however to bury your head in the sand,  be destroyed at the next election and then drown in the blood of your following internal civil war.

It will be amusing to watch.  For a couple of weeks or so.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#39)

by ComradeNorton on Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 11:50:14 AM GMT

He is right about having a good looking female PM because men will vote for her?

Odd that I don't see the world run by supermodels. 

Its not that I don't fancy being a slave on the island of the supermodels as much as the next man, but there is a line between fantasy and reality that you sort of grow out of when you get past the age of 12.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#42)

by adwilliams134 on Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 10:21:56 PM GMT

No,  he is right about the problems that New Labour has.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#40)

by ComradeNorton on Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 11:55:54 AM GMT

Oh come off it.  You would choose anyone over Michael Portillo because he was gay and there is no evidence except unsubstantiated rumours that Ted Heath was gay and most evidence points to the contrary.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#41)

by swatantra on Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 04:15:00 PM GMT

Unfortunately our token Tory might be right. I hate to say that. Just look across to the USA. It was that right wing Bush that brought in Sec Of State Colin Powell, followed by Condeleeza Rice; But the Dems went one better and picked Obama! They even picked a buffoon Boris Johnson to sit on London. The LP plays save. They ignored Barbara Castle, still won't bring in all black short lists to boost BAME MP's, and still won't nominate Dianne Abbott as the next Speaker. If by chance, some 'lovable' black Tory gets themselves elected, not Priti Patel etc, and proves themselves in 'cabinet' thet might go onto become PM, if they prove attractive and popular with the people. But I honestly don't see anyone amongst the Tories present crop of PPCs.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#43)

by jkitleft on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:23:34 AM GMT

Milliband is Jewish. But actually, I think we are increasingly showing that we can pick 'minorities' on the basis of merit. Is it any wonder that the Bethnal Green Nazi party resorted to smears about how Oona King was Jewish and Black?

It's a shame Barbara Castle was never chosen as our leader.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#45)

by NB on Wed Aug 13, 2008 at 09:37:01 AM GMT

Plotillo may have been bisexual but that was nothing to do with why Tories didn't pick him as leader. Heath was well known to be a "confirmed batchelor" and that didn't stop him becoming leader even in the 70s.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#46)

by swatantra on Wed Aug 13, 2008 at 01:57:10 PM GMT

You could go back to Disraeli, the first 'Jewish' PM, a Tory. The trick was not to bradcast it and be too strident and assertive about it. The public don't like religion and sexuality thrust in their face.


[ Parent ]

Re: David Miliband: how Labour can still win (#47)

by madasafish on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 12:24:53 PM GMT


Norman Fowler writes:

I have no natural sympathy for Brown. He conspired against Blair and in many ways deserves to reap what he has sown. But I like those who conspire against him even less. Norma Fowle If Brown goes then they will have won. The open rebels, the quiet whisperers and the Ministers keeping their options open will have prevailed. Labour may be unpopular today but a party that stabs a Prime Minister in the back after 12 months will be held in public contempt. If Labour wishes to commit its own kind of political suicide do not let me - a former Tory chairman - stand in its way. But I warn Labour MPs of this: if they think that changing their leader will save them in the polls they are utterly deceiving themselves

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1034557/Dont-knife-Gordon--says-John-Majors-chairman-Norman- Fowler.html


David Miliband: how Labour can still win | 44 comments (44 topical)