The Labour leadership drama now looks like it will take place in opposition not government. This will have an effect on the kind of leader Labour elects. If one of the coups against Brown had been successful, Labour would have almost certainly selected someone who could be presented as a credible Prime Minister from day one: a David Miliband, an Alan Johnson or – if they had gone for the caretaker option – Jack Straw. But in opposition, the Labour’s electorate is likely to feel that it can pick someone who will grow into being a credible PM in opposition.
At the moment, there are two people who everyone assumes is running and are making the necessary preparations: Ed Balls and David Miliband. But I hear that another candidate is almost certain to enter the race, the backbencher Jon Cruddas.
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