any one but Johnson

The Competition for Citizen Airtime:

Is the Future of British Public Participation Political, Charitable, Social or Corporate?

 
John Denham MP

Arlo Brady (Freud Communications)

Andy Martin (Cancer Research UK)

Scott Keiller (Starbucks)

Simon Atkinson (Ipsos MORI)

Stella Creasy (Involve)

 21st May 2007

6:15pm for 6:30pm start

Local Government House, Smith Square SW1P 3HZ

Leadership candidate John McDonnell looks to be in a bit of trouble. I have bumped into numerous "players" on the left who are decidedly uncomfortable with his unilateral declaration of candidacy without having consulted in advance many of the backers a left-wing candidate would be expected to secure.

We need a capable leader from outside the squabbling cabinet.

to edge closer to a proper assesment of their chances, it would be interesting to get a feel for the level of support that potential candidates would be able to garner amongst the key constituencies - MPs, CLPs, Trade Unions

The process will also be a key factor.  As the Tories demonstrate, if there is a long contest, and a real platform for the candidates to project themselves to the members, this can be critical for a less well known candidate to come from behind.

I'm very clear that Blair should go as soon as possible and that the Labour Party needs to reconnect with its grassroots to win another election. But I can't see how John McDonnell is the right person to do that.