James Forsyth James Forsyth

The Times: Harman and Miliband are readying themselves for a contest

I’m sure most readers are sick of anonymous quotes and accusations but with so few people prepared to go on the record they do give a far better sense of what is being talked about in Westminster than the public protestations of loyalty that are coming from ministers and MPs. The Times has just published a story online by Sam Coates and Francis Elliot which contains a fascinating, if anonymous, insight into Harriet Harman’s current thinking:

It is alleged that Ms Harman was spotted on Thursday night, watching the scale of Labour’s defeat in the Glasgow East by-election on the television, telling aides “this is my moment”.

I’m sure many Coffee Housers will be inclined to laugh off the idea that Harman could become PM but in a multi-candidate field she would have a chance. Remember that she beat several more fancied candidates for the deputy leadership, that she has strong support among female Labour MPs and that her husband gives her an in with the Unions. 

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