As we wait for the announcement today as to who the next leader of the Labour Party will be, there have been calls to change the system by which the holder of the top job is chosen.
Leadership candidate Andy Burnham has been amongst those calling for a change from the present system to One Member, One Vote.
And I agree.
Is it right that someone who is a member of the Party and also belongs to a number of trade unions should have several votes whilst others have just one?
That's hardly democratic.
Jack Dromey, for example, has been a union leader for many years as well as Party Treasurer, so he has more than one vote.
We need to move away from this out-dated method of choosing the Labour Party leader.
I hope whoever is elected today will heed this call and promise to do just that.
Saturday, 25 September 2010
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Public Sector Union To Challenge Coalition NHS Revamp
The Public sector union, Unison is to mount a legal challenge against the changes to the NHS proposed by the Coalition government.
It is impossible to say whether the case will succeed, but it is right that an attempt should be made to halt the proposals, which would mean yet another restructuring of the NHS just a few years after the last one.
And as one union official put it, the plans are driven by the Tory idea that the market knows best, rather than what will benefit patients.
It is impossible to say whether the case will succeed, but it is right that an attempt should be made to halt the proposals, which would mean yet another restructuring of the NHS just a few years after the last one.
And as one union official put it, the plans are driven by the Tory idea that the market knows best, rather than what will benefit patients.
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Clegg's Conference Speech Highlights Lib Dem Opportunism At The Expense Of Principle
Much of Nick Clegg's address to Liberal Democrat activists at their Party Conference could have been easily predicted.
The economic mess that the Coalition Government inherited from Labour was a theme that he exploited to the full. Inevitable of course, but given the fact that his initial instinct had been to try and form a rainbow coalition with Labour and was against the speed at which the Conservatives were planning to make cuts in public spending, this was quite significant.
But what stood out for me was the way in which the Deputy Prime Minister continually drove home the message that, despite his and the Party's misgivings about working with the Conservatives, this was a chance for the Liberal Democrats to be part of Government for the first time in decades and implement many policies that members held dear, such as electoral reform.
Mr Clegg's view, understandably, was that the Party had to take this chance of being in power. But to me this seemed to be a price worth paying, no matter how many of the Liberal Democrats' more left-leaning principles were abandoned by the wayside to accomodate their more senior Conservative partners.
Of course, the outright dissent and rebellion that had been predicted from Party members by some quarters of the media did not materialise.
There have been some calls from Party members to ensure that any spending cuts do not hit the poor hardest. And there was some criticism that the speech did not touch on how the Coalition would help the least well-off in the difficult months to come.
But the reaction to the speech from delegates was largely warm and appreciative. They responded to its conclusion with a sustained standing ovation.
However, Nick Clegg knows, as does David Cameron, that this is the calm before the storm.
Will the Liberal Democrat grassroots really remain as loyal when they begin to feel the effect of the huge spending cuts that will be announced by Mr Clegg's Coalition in just a few weeks time?
I am not so sure.
The economic mess that the Coalition Government inherited from Labour was a theme that he exploited to the full. Inevitable of course, but given the fact that his initial instinct had been to try and form a rainbow coalition with Labour and was against the speed at which the Conservatives were planning to make cuts in public spending, this was quite significant.
But what stood out for me was the way in which the Deputy Prime Minister continually drove home the message that, despite his and the Party's misgivings about working with the Conservatives, this was a chance for the Liberal Democrats to be part of Government for the first time in decades and implement many policies that members held dear, such as electoral reform.
Mr Clegg's view, understandably, was that the Party had to take this chance of being in power. But to me this seemed to be a price worth paying, no matter how many of the Liberal Democrats' more left-leaning principles were abandoned by the wayside to accomodate their more senior Conservative partners.
Of course, the outright dissent and rebellion that had been predicted from Party members by some quarters of the media did not materialise.
There have been some calls from Party members to ensure that any spending cuts do not hit the poor hardest. And there was some criticism that the speech did not touch on how the Coalition would help the least well-off in the difficult months to come.
But the reaction to the speech from delegates was largely warm and appreciative. They responded to its conclusion with a sustained standing ovation.
However, Nick Clegg knows, as does David Cameron, that this is the calm before the storm.
Will the Liberal Democrat grassroots really remain as loyal when they begin to feel the effect of the huge spending cuts that will be announced by Mr Clegg's Coalition in just a few weeks time?
I am not so sure.
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Will The Lib Dem Conference Be Trouble-Free For Clegg?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11347449
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is clearly hoping that the highly stage-managed Liberal Democrat Conference will prove controversy-free.
Yes, it is true that many of the Lib Dem councillors attending this week's gathering in Liverpool will be used to coalition politics at local level.
And granted, the Liberal Democrats are in power for the first time in many decades.
However, there is clearly much disquiet on the backbenches regarding the huge spending cuts to come in October.
I am not convinced that activists will waste this opportunity to voice their concerns about the direction in which the coalition is travelling and give Clegg an easy ride.
Will they really wait until the outcome of next May's referendum on changing the electoral system to the Alternative Vote to turn their backs on the coalition?
This week should be very interesting indeed.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is clearly hoping that the highly stage-managed Liberal Democrat Conference will prove controversy-free.
Yes, it is true that many of the Lib Dem councillors attending this week's gathering in Liverpool will be used to coalition politics at local level.
And granted, the Liberal Democrats are in power for the first time in many decades.
However, there is clearly much disquiet on the backbenches regarding the huge spending cuts to come in October.
I am not convinced that activists will waste this opportunity to voice their concerns about the direction in which the coalition is travelling and give Clegg an easy ride.
Will they really wait until the outcome of next May's referendum on changing the electoral system to the Alternative Vote to turn their backs on the coalition?
This week should be very interesting indeed.
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Harman Takes Last PMQs
Harriet Harman has had her last PMQs as Acting Labour Leader.
The next time David Cameron is questioned at the despatch box it will be the responsibility of the new leader, widely expected to be one of the Miliband brothers.
Ms Harman has had a very long frontbench career, both in opposition and government.
In my estimation, although perhaps not with quite enough aggression needed to unnerve the other side, Ms Harman has performed competently.
In response to the Prime Minister's warm words to her, she gave a truly memorable reply:
'I'm glad I'm not wearing a hoodie!'
Whoever succeeds her will need to use all their skills and experience to wrong-foot Mr Cameron and pull this coalition apart.
The next time David Cameron is questioned at the despatch box it will be the responsibility of the new leader, widely expected to be one of the Miliband brothers.
Ms Harman has had a very long frontbench career, both in opposition and government.
In my estimation, although perhaps not with quite enough aggression needed to unnerve the other side, Ms Harman has performed competently.
In response to the Prime Minister's warm words to her, she gave a truly memorable reply:
'I'm glad I'm not wearing a hoodie!'
Whoever succeeds her will need to use all their skills and experience to wrong-foot Mr Cameron and pull this coalition apart.
Sunday, 12 September 2010
Ed Miliband Pulls Ahead Of David In Latest Labour Leadership Poll
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE68B0ID20100912
As the unveiling of the new leader of the Labour Party draws closer, the latest poll shows Ed Miliband taking a narrow lead over his brother David, who has been favourite to succeed Gordon Brown since the start of the race.
The suggestion is that, with enough second preference votes, the younger Miliband brother could snatch victory at the last minute.
It is David, however, with his much wider experience in government, who is still considered the candidate most likely to beat the Tories at the next election and remains the bookie's favourite to win the contest.
This leadership election is turning out to be much closer than many anticipated.
Despite being impressed with Ed's performance in the initial stages of the campaign, I still predict that David will emerge as the new Labour leader come September 25.
As the unveiling of the new leader of the Labour Party draws closer, the latest poll shows Ed Miliband taking a narrow lead over his brother David, who has been favourite to succeed Gordon Brown since the start of the race.
The suggestion is that, with enough second preference votes, the younger Miliband brother could snatch victory at the last minute.
It is David, however, with his much wider experience in government, who is still considered the candidate most likely to beat the Tories at the next election and remains the bookie's favourite to win the contest.
This leadership election is turning out to be much closer than many anticipated.
Despite being impressed with Ed's performance in the initial stages of the campaign, I still predict that David will emerge as the new Labour leader come September 25.
Friday, 10 September 2010
Privatisation Of Royal Mail Announced
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11258649
Business Secretary Vince Cable has today announced the Coalition's decision to press ahead with the privatisation of the Royal Mail.
This is something that has been mooted for a while, but has never been actioned. It is an appalling decision, and will no doubt lead to thousands of job losses and a complete fragmentation of the service.
Whatever the shortcomings of the Royal Mail, putting it into private hands, will mean that profit will come before delivery of service and the people will suffer. No doubt we will see a huge increase in the cost of sending letters and parcels.
What is even worse is Margaret Thatcher, who set about privatising every industry in sight, was very much against doing the same with the Royal Mail when she was Prime Minister. She accepted that taking the postal service out of the public service would be far too complex a process and it was best left alone.
This Coalition is proving to be far more reactionary than Thatcher's government at every turn.
Business Secretary Vince Cable has today announced the Coalition's decision to press ahead with the privatisation of the Royal Mail.
This is something that has been mooted for a while, but has never been actioned. It is an appalling decision, and will no doubt lead to thousands of job losses and a complete fragmentation of the service.
Whatever the shortcomings of the Royal Mail, putting it into private hands, will mean that profit will come before delivery of service and the people will suffer. No doubt we will see a huge increase in the cost of sending letters and parcels.
What is even worse is Margaret Thatcher, who set about privatising every industry in sight, was very much against doing the same with the Royal Mail when she was Prime Minister. She accepted that taking the postal service out of the public service would be far too complex a process and it was best left alone.
This Coalition is proving to be far more reactionary than Thatcher's government at every turn.
Oona's Warnings About Boris Hit Just The Right Note
http://oona4mayor.com/site/oonas-blog-friday-10-september/
Oona King's latest blog post really brings it home just how little Boris Johnson has done for London as Mayor.
The news that he has decided to seek re-election will disappoint all those who view him simply as Cameron's puppet.
Having broken many promises to improve the lives of the people of London, a second term of Boris Johnson as mayor will be a disaster for all the people of this great city.
Oona King's latest blog post really brings it home just how little Boris Johnson has done for London as Mayor.
The news that he has decided to seek re-election will disappoint all those who view him simply as Cameron's puppet.
Having broken many promises to improve the lives of the people of London, a second term of Boris Johnson as mayor will be a disaster for all the people of this great city.
Monday, 6 September 2010
Gillard Remains Australian PM With Independents' Backing
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11209560
Julia Gillard has clung onto power in Australia by the narrowest of margins.
After weeks of negotiations, two of the three independent MPs decided to support Ms Gillard remaining as Prime Minister despite a strong showing by the opposition Liberal coalition.
However, with a majority of just one seat, it will be difficult for the Labor Party to govern entirely on their own terms and dictate the political agenda.
Julia Gillard has a tough road ahead of her.
I wouldn't bet against there being yet another general election in Australia within the next twelve months.
Julia Gillard has clung onto power in Australia by the narrowest of margins.
After weeks of negotiations, two of the three independent MPs decided to support Ms Gillard remaining as Prime Minister despite a strong showing by the opposition Liberal coalition.
However, with a majority of just one seat, it will be difficult for the Labor Party to govern entirely on their own terms and dictate the political agenda.
Julia Gillard has a tough road ahead of her.
I wouldn't bet against there being yet another general election in Australia within the next twelve months.
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Blair Reveals Frustration With Brown In Memoirs
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/tony-blair/7974867/Tony-Blair-Gordon-Brown-had-zero-emotional-intelligence.html
With the publication of his long-awaited memoirs, Tony Blair has revealed what most people already knew; that his relationship with Chancellor Gordon Brown was at times extremely difficult and that Brown could be 'maddenng'.
There is no doubt that Gordon Brown was not as media-savvy as his predecessor and that he did make some big mistakes; most notably hinting that he might call a General Election soon after taking office and then when he had decided not to call one, not then moving swiftly to kill off all the media speculation as to when it might be.
Then of course there was the disastrous encounter with Gillian Duffy during the election campaign itself. Enough said.
However, I have met Gordon Brown on many occasions and, despite his political failings, have found him, in private, to be warm and affable; totally different to the awkward persona he has often presented to the media.
This is not a man who can be described as having 'zero emotional intelligence'. One only has to look at him and his wife Sarah together to see how affectionate he can be.
With the publication of his long-awaited memoirs, Tony Blair has revealed what most people already knew; that his relationship with Chancellor Gordon Brown was at times extremely difficult and that Brown could be 'maddenng'.
There is no doubt that Gordon Brown was not as media-savvy as his predecessor and that he did make some big mistakes; most notably hinting that he might call a General Election soon after taking office and then when he had decided not to call one, not then moving swiftly to kill off all the media speculation as to when it might be.
Then of course there was the disastrous encounter with Gillian Duffy during the election campaign itself. Enough said.
However, I have met Gordon Brown on many occasions and, despite his political failings, have found him, in private, to be warm and affable; totally different to the awkward persona he has often presented to the media.
This is not a man who can be described as having 'zero emotional intelligence'. One only has to look at him and his wife Sarah together to see how affectionate he can be.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)