Ladbrokes has just updated its odds for the next Labour leader. Which of the below names would have the ability to unite Labour against Brown, successfully trigger a leadership challenge, secure union support to depose him, and then volunteer to lead the party into what will probably be an election defeat? And if you were David Miliband’s best mate, what would your advice to him be?
David Miliband 5/2 – too young to ruin his career now
Alan Johnson 6/1 – likeable, but no ambition to be no1.
Ed Balls 6/1 – the PLP would lynch him sooner than Brown.
Jack Straw 7/1 – if Straw is the answer, what is the question?
James Purnell 8/1 – too soon. Will have his eye on 2015.
John Denham 10/1 – least ridiculous suggestion, but still daft.
Jon Cruddas 12/1 – Authentic leftie, but can’t win Middle England.
Yvette Cooper 12/1 – anyone seen Newsnight recently?
Andy Burnham 14/1 – now we’re really getting silly.
Harriet Harman 14/1 – would make Brown years seem like golden era
I wont go further down the list (suffice to say Caroline Flint is at 25/1) but it reinforces my belief that Labour has no alternate candidate willing to volunteer for the suicide mission.
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