Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris (Post 934134)

Seems a bit of a nonentity to me but, to be honest, I doubt there'll ever be a Labour leader who fits in with the views of Accyweb traditional Labour voters. There seems to be a yearning for a proper left wing socialist Labour leader like Michael Foot (the man who couldn't get Labour into power in a thousand years). If just such a leader was elected, it'd be interesting to see just how long it was before the howls of protest emerged on here from traditional Labour voters about the left wing socialist policies that were being implemented - ie, a liberal, inclusive attitude on immigration, an emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment for criminals, an embracing of politically correct attitudes (think Harriet Harman) and more. And if you think those aren't left wing Labour attitudes, I suggest you talk to any left wing socialist member of the Labour party. Socialism's about far more than just economic policies!

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris (Post 936840)

I've asked it before and I'll ask it again. Could someone explain which Labour leader WOULD suit the views of the "traditional Labour/socialist" types on here - and I'm talking ordinary voters here, not party members.

Because, from reading through their views, they'd want someone who has left wing/socialist views on preserving the NHS, benefits, the welfare state, a fair deal for the ordinary working man etc. Yet, they'd also want someone who has right wing, dare I say it Tory views on immigration, law and order, political correctness etc. Does such an animal exist? I certainly don't think so!

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 936826)

Well the spotlight has been on Ed Miliband this week, with the Labour Party Conference and his keynote speech which, in the words of his colleagues, gave him a chance to become better known to the wider public.

I watched his speech and found him completely unconvincing. His line that "I'm not Tony Blair, I'm not Gordon Brown, I'm my own man" just didn't have any impact whatsoever.

It showed one thing that I suspect most Labour supporters knew already, and everyone knows now.

They chose the wrong Miliband. :(:(:(

Originally Posted by g jones (Post 937765)

Having met Ed and coming from inside (Whips office) most of what is written is the opposite of the truth. Lazy journalism and journalists with a narrative.

Ed is the first politician since Margaret Thatcher to have a steel back as opposed the glass backed politicians in between. "I am not seeking a consensus" was the most important subtext he said.

The Party is moving to the right on many issues. Responsibility is about two things, localism at it's lowest form. I know from speaking to him he wants to tackle Labour's scourge, welfare where it moves toward an insurance scheme, those that pay get the most out - even Maggie wasn't that radical. It is also moving to the left with the state willing to intervene to ensure we have a responsible society.

One leading Tory advisor has already stated that Red Ed has parked his tanks on our lawn (responsibility,localism) and we're still in a deep sleep. Even if we awoke we don't have an answer to his offer. That was spot on analysis of where we are.

In private and public he talks about immigration frequently and what we got right (points, marriage under 21) but where for the last 30 years the country has got it wrong. Rights have come along too easily opposing the Liberal and Liberal-Conservative traditions.

He is ruthless in a polite way. Really ruthless yet such is his stature he has never had to go beyond convincing people. I know it is within him to make the biggest sacrifice's without looking backward.

He is so down to earth and so in touch for a leading politician it is frightening. My conversation with him on Hyndburn lasted 60 seconds. He knew everything I or anyone else was going to say on the easy issues, housing and jobs, and the difficult issues, welfare and immigration.

No other leading politician in the House of Commons has his leadership skills, determination or clarity of purpose. By a country mile I might add. No-one could lead the Labour Party like he has over the last 12 months navigating from the meltdown of Brown/Blair, the remnants within the PLP and wider Labour movement, orchestrate change and have barely a word of criticism laid against him from those on the inside, particularly the New Labourites.

Here is someone who jousted against his brother. Who from a poor position won. Whose charm and powerful assessment of UK PLC will see off Cameron when the Tories realise their mistake, like David Miliband, was to grossly underestimate Ed Miliband.

Commentators willing to seek a fork in the road from the herd have made reference to something different, an offer to Britain that is something I have heard all my life from people. A yearning for responsibility. A reward for effort. That everyone can contribute and those that wish not to do these things, the state intervenes in a tough way.

An example this week. Hyndburn Labour Group rewrote procurement rules to favour responsible companies. Last week John Denham announced that presumption will be in favour of the complainant in trading standards cases and the wider consumer rights putting bad businesses on the back foot. I spoke to him last week about this and how we can protect people work hard.

Of course it will be about the economy and jobs where people are doubting the Tories have got it right already. Responsibility is cut across theme and is high on people's agenda.

None of this would have come about but for Ed Miliband who has a clear view in his own mind. Firstly reform and rebuild the foundations. There is no need to fight the next election next week despite what some might argue.

Ed Miliband is a person 'without any doubt' when it comes to the big picture. He knows what kind of society and economy he wants and he summed it up in another piece of subtext that people missed. I am not waiting for a consensus, "I am [simply] going to do it my way".

And David Miliband. If he would have won he would have won not with one member one vote but because his supporters had three and four votes each and those votes were of a higher value in the MP's and Labour Party sections.

'Banana Man' would have been sucked into this media narrative instead of Ed. He would have been accused of continuity. Of being more New Labour. Of being at the centre of the the Brown years. Of failing to stand up to Brown when he had a chance. David Miliband would have been damaged goods.

The turn the page candidate has caused the media a headache with the pre-scrited attacks so they have had to find other ways to attack him.

The problem for yesterdays's hack is tomorrows hack has seen the light and wants to write what he see's and it isn't the nonsense that Ed Miliband is the wrong person. That just maybe he is writing a new broad consensus for the next 30 years and the Tories deep down are seriously worried.

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 936826)

His line that "I'm not Tony Blair, I'm not Gordon Brown, I'm my own man"

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris (Post 937818)

Maybe you should be his Google Page Ranking man, Graham; you certainly do a good selling job on him!

He sounds great, but then again so did Blair...before he got in. I'm not suggesting that Ed (who seems a fairly decent sort) is anything like the aforementioned creep, but these days, people are cynical...very cynical...and he's got a hell of a mountain to climb to overcome that.

Originally Posted by Bernard Dawson (Post 937824)

You say that but the polls are showing a Labour lead, and have been for quite while. Not a massive lead, but nevertheless a lead. And as a party we haven't got out of first gear yet.

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris (Post 937829)

Yes, they are in the lead, but considering the unpopularity of the government spending cuts, and the fact that the voters haven't warmed to either Cameron or Clegg, you'd expect that league to be much, much bigger at this stage. As for getting out of first gear...an accurate prediction?...or just wishful thinking? ;)

Originally Posted by Bernard Dawson (Post 937830)

I think that's probably right.The poll lead at this stage is more down to the unpopularity of the Government. The poll lead probably should be greater, but that will come.