Angela Eagle’s leadership launch has so far been characterised by one thing: her terrible timing. When she announced her bid to run against Jeremy Corbyn on Monday, journalists abandoned her speech after Andrea Leadsom dropped out of the Tory race at the same moment – leaving Eagle desperately trying to find anyone left in the audience who wanted to actually ask a question. And last night’s attempt to try and drum up support in her flailing campaign also came to a halt when the news filtered through that Boris Johnson had been made Foreign Secretary.
After taking some time to regain her composure, Eagle told the crowd that the news Boris was in the Foreign Office showed the importance of electing a Labour government. Boris might not have to worry about that prospect for some time though if the quality of the campaigns of those trying to oust Corbyn is anything to go on so far. Owen Smith, who has thrown his hat into the ring for the Labour leadership alongside Eagle, also doesn’t seem to be able to pick his moments for trying to publicise his leadership bid. After announcing his decision to run yesterday, he took to Twitter yesterday evening to confirm he would be standing:
Unfortunately for Smith, though, his announcement came at the same time Theresa May was revealing her cabinet appointments. It seems that Eagle and Smith might need to learn quickly if they want anyone to listen to what they have to say.
Another year of GCSE results has prompted another bout of soul searching about the underachievement of white working class pupils. No lesser figure than Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has led the mourning this week, risking the ire of her colleagues with some bravery. It’s not hard to find declining marriage at the heart of almost
Tom Goodenough
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