What I found especially interesting in this was speculation about potential leadership candidates. Michael White believes that the potential candidates will be David Milliband, Alan Johnson, James Purnell and Jon Cruddas. When the leaderhip challenge finally comes (he doesn't seem to estimate when) Johnson and Purnell will supposedly fall in behind Milliband, leaving a Milliband v. Cruddas contest with Cruddas standing as a 'united left' candidate.

I think the big flaw in this analysis is the assumption that McDonnell will support Cruddas. I just can't see it unless Cruddas very quickly starts putting his money where his mouth is - the 42 days vote springs to mind as a failure of the left in general, but especially the Compassites.

I would definetly agree that left unity is what is needed. McDonnell v. Meacher with a split in the Campaign Group and Cruddas & Friends backing Brown really did it for the left last year. The same can't be repeated, if it comes down to Cruddas v. McDonnell then something has to give because this is too important. Michael White preicts only one other challenger, so it is essential that they get on the ballot.