The honourable thing to do

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 08 January 2006 09:01:38

*Warning this contains politics*

Well, as the BBCand others have said Kennedy has done (IMO) the honourable thing and so we are now into a leadership contest proper. So what is the view from this bit of the grassroots?

First off, I reckon it was the honourable thing because whilst he was still going to stand v. few people who were any good were likely to stand against him. So I think he has done the right thing for the party, (although I don't think he should really have been put in this position and had to go public in the first place).

Well, it will come as no surprise to anybody who knows me, or regularly reads this blogg to hear that I am (broadly speaking) what used to be described as a socialist. As such I am v. worried that a new leader could lead to a definate lurch to the right within the party, and so in some ways I think if we can find another proper liberal compromise candidate, (as Kennedy was), who will continue to successfully unite the two wings of the party, whilst following a broadly left wing path that would be ideal.

From the names floating about in the media at the moment there's only two I would seriously think of voting for Campbell and Hughes. I think that Campbell would only be any good as a caretaker, for no more than a couple of years, whilst we wait for a suitable figure to emerge, with a bit more experience, from the parliamentry party.

As for Simon Hughes, well he got my vote last time and in the absence of any other strong candidate from (again broadly speaking) the left of the party he'll get it again this time.

However, now Kennedy is not standing there are a couple of other names I hope will re-enter the frame. Will be interesting to see the choices we're presented with in the end, and who certain senior members of the party come out supporting.