As per Charlie on the open thread, there's a bit of argy-bargy going on tonight between Newsnight newbie Lewis Goodall and Unite boss Len McCluskey. Red Len's saying that Lewis's first Newsnight 'exclusive' is 'fake news':
Lewis Goodall: EXC: I can confirm there is to be a seventh entrant into the Labour leadership contest. It’s Barry Gardiner. Tune into Newsnight at 2230 for more. Gardiner is preparing a run after being approached (among others) by Len McCluskey, who has been speaking to a number of other potential candidates, as he isn’t convinced Rebecca Long Bailey can win. Although some might find this surprising in some ways you could imagine how it might take off. A once marginalised, older man, been in parliament for ages, beloved by the grassroots, getting into a race which may otherwise be predictable. We've heard this story before...I’m told there is no love lost between Gardiner and Starmer. If BG makes it through to the next stage (very big if), the hustings would be interesting...
Len McCluskey: This is utter nonsense. I certainly haven't been approached by Barry to support him as leader. Let me also make clear I have not indicated any concerns about RLB's campaign, or anyone else's. I repeat what I've been saying for weeks. There will be no announcement from Unite until our EC meets the candidates on 24 Jan. Claims to the contrary should be dismissed as fake news. I have just spoken to Barry Gardiner who is in Abu Dhabi. Barry is as surprised as I am by this, Lewis Goodall. We're both clear that fake news and tricks like this will not be allowed to undermine any candidate's campaign.So who's right?
As I don't like popcorn, I'm cracking open the salt and vinegar crisps instead.
Update: It continued:
Lewis Goodall: Update: Barry Gardiner confirms to me that that story from me and Rachel Wearmouth was correct- he is considering running for leader. He will make his final decision in next 24 hours. Gardiner denies, however, that Len McCluskey has encouraged him to run or has had any involvement. As does Len McCluskey.
Would McCluskey back an absolute no hoper ? Gardiner has zero chance of becoming Labour leader.
ReplyDeleteI would think Mr McCluskey is a Philips person, possibly Starmer - as would Frances O'Grady be, and she carries a lot of weight in left wing world.
Labour want a shot after all - BG aint it.
Len McCluskey may be extreme but he's not a fool. Anyone promoting the idea of Barry Gardiner as a possible Labour leader - and PM! - would be a fool. So it's up to young Lewis to spell out his working. And how will 'Newsnight' report Red Len's rebuttal?
DeleteMcCluskey for Jess Phillips or Keith Starmer? No way!
DeleteHe's firmly on the left of the Party. From Wikipedia:
"In a speech at the 2010 Durham Miners' Gala he said political developments in Cuba and Venezuela should be better known, and suggested the reason they were not was because of "the fear of the good example". "
If Long-Bailey goes into meltdown he might switch, but for the moment I see no doubt that he will support her. They will then see how she performs in office as Leader. If she's a fresh disaster they will cast round for someone else on the Left to take her place. They might even groom someone for a by election.
We shall see!
A (virtual) fiver he comes out for Philips.
DeleteIn the end the left need to move on. Becky isn't going to hack it. Have you seen the stats for recognition (let alone popularity) under Labour voters for these people ?
Nobody knows who they are except Momentum ! It amazed me - I don't even live in the UK.
A (virtual) tenner says he doesn't. Remember her famous quote: she'd stab Corbyn in the front. Not the sort of thing Big Len will forget in a hurry. She is also a full on Remainer-Rejoiner.
DeleteYou're saying what the left "need" to do, not what they are going to do! Two entirely different things.
I really don't think the Marxist Left are thinking whether RLB can "hack it". They are thinking "How can we keep control of the Labour Party". That's why they are supporting RLB. If they identify a more effective Leader, she will step down.
I doubt Tony Blair had much face-name recognition before he became Leader of the Opposition when he was just Shadow Home Secretary. So I don't think that's particularly relevant.