If the Labour Party is looking for a leader they should work out what they want. Labour MPs might like someone to lead the opposition in parliament, particularly at prime minister's question time; a sharp intellect, quick with words, someone with antennae sensitive to the mood of the 'party in parliament', and the media, but resilient to the buffeting of envious critics.
That would be nice. But the party leader MUST have a grass-roots following. They should have a potential constituency as large as that of the current governing party, or the ability to co-operate with smaller (protest) parties till they have a commanding lead in parliament. Therefore they should not be divisive, in the way that clause 4 (calling for state ownership of the means of production) was divisive. But instead should adhere to principles with a wide appeal, like honesty, generosity, and consistency; and advocate policies ensuring international stability, and the rule of law; and ensuring that "...power, wealth, and opportunity .. (lie) in the hands of the many, not the few...", (as written on the back of the Labour Party membership card).
I cannot see anyone as a potential Labour Party leader who supported the sale of council houses, or of the GPO, or the invasion of Iraq or the bombing of Syria. Whom, amongst current MPs, does that leave?
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Ian West, Middleton Cheney, Banbury,
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