I think the role of a leader is to give leadership, not just represent the views of his electorate. I accept that Corbyn hasn't taken his electorate with him, but having an ideology which most of the Labour Party's natural supporters could be persuaded to vote for by the right person is surely what a Labour leader is all about? The last leader of the traditional soft left version of the LP was John Smith, whose ideology wasn't that different from Corbyn's. If only he hadn't tragically died before he could face a General Election we would have been spared the Blair fiasco which was the real reason Labour lost its way.
He has a forensic mind, is passionate and persuasive. But what you have just said sort of confirms what a friend of mine said the other day - that outside of London, it'd be impossible to elect a well educated black man in an Oswald Boateng suit. This country really is split down the middle isn't it? Thank God I live in London. I really don't like the rest of my country very much right now. That's not aimed at any individuals btw, but it's very much how I feel.
Trying to make Labour more appealing to the general public. I think he has that star quality. But Labour do need to think outside that box and look outside the UK. Sanchez may be too European but how about looking for possibilities in the Australian Labour Party. A fresh approach is definitely needed and is not going to come from within.
It wasn't about his colour. He's firmly a career politician and New Labour. I would have no problem with Dianne Abott - whose politics seem further to the left.
Ides, don't ever change. Your peculiar brand of magnificent eccentricity is an absolute tonic. **** knows where you get all your daft ideas from, but keep em coming.
I'd have a massive problem with Dianne Abbott. Christ no, not her, are you mad? ****it, have a beer on me
Look, all I want is a reasonable Labour Party which veers to the left. Chuka has made it very clear he is a centrist politician and that doesn't suit my particular Labour leanings. You seem to think everyone but you is a bigot. Well, your sexist crap doesn't cut it with me! I am obviously being glib with the sexism comment, but don't start throwing racism into the bloody mix. I can dislike Umunna without race coming into it. It is your racial obsession which seemed to drive your response.
Alright, forget that, it's obvious we're worlds apart. Two questions for you then; 1) Do you believe a Labour Party led by Jeremy Corbyn can win a general election? 2) On what specific areas of policy do you disagree with Chuka Imunna's views?
Corbyn really needs to "take one for the team" and resign. He has some good thoughts, but lacks the gravitas and ability to engage with people to the extent where the people can really get behind him, with any confidence in his ability to actually deliver. It's not just for the benefit of the Labour Party, but for the benefit of the country, because there needs to be another strong option to the Conservatives. With Boris potentially being the next Tory leader, and PM this is the ideal time for Labour to install a "leader" and come up with some real policies. Especially if, as rumoured, Boris calls an immediate election. There are going to be a lot of people, who abandoned Labour at the last General Election, who will remember only too clearly, the lies Boris and his Brexiteers brought to the EU Referendum.
Yeah, it's pretty stupid that they made it so easy to vote despite not being a UK citizen and also to stuff the ballot. But in the end it doesn't matter. They needed 100k votes. I have zero doubt that they have well over 100k legit votes. The whole thing is a farce anyway.
1) I agree. He won't win. 2) I have found his approach to Corbyn pretty disgraceful. He didn't even try to get behind a leftist figure. He went to private school and referred to people who go to night clubs in the West End as "trash". You are right to say he is highly capable, but I don't see him representing a left leaning Labour - which I want.
Ha, I haven't a bloody clue. I think I'll be let down and Labour will plump straight back into the middle - which may be a good thing in the current climate - but I would like to find a candidate halfway between Umunna and Corbyn. And yes, there isn't one.
