Labour needs a proper leadership contest

By David Hodges

The leadership contest has already begun. It presents us with a great opportunity to lay the foundations for a strong fight back at the next election. We must be under no illusions that the Conservative/Liberal coalition has been built to last the full five years. There will be many differences and arguments between the governing parties, but the level of integration is a clear sign that they do not plan to be derailed easily.

So, as David Miliband stated this week:

“The decision of the Liberal Democrats to join a Conservative Government is a momentous one. It creates an enormous responsibility for the Labour Party, revitalised in the right way, to represent all shades of progressive opinion and present itself as an alternative government.”

It is a responsibility that we must not take lightly – it requires the right leader to be selected to take us forward.

However, much must happen before we decide who the right person is. We need an open, inclusive and honest debate amongst all shades of the party about what we got right, what we got wrong and what we want to achieve going forward.

The reasons for such a discussion are twofold.

Firstly, it is important that all sections of the party do not feel disenfranchised by the process, that their views are heard, listened to and taken into account by whoever the eventual winner is.

Secondly, it is essential the eventual winner has the mandate to lead the party with the loyalty and unity of his fellow comrades. If we do not have an open, inclusive discussion then the new leader will quickly face the criticism that they do not represent the views of the party, but a mere section that forced through their candidacy.

So, what form should this take?

The two important features that will ensure we have the open, inclusive and honest debate we need are numerous candidates and a lengthy contest. As one Labour friend said to me: “what’s the rush?” Those who argue we must prepare for this government to fall imminently have, in my opinion, misread the new alliance. And even if it did fall, we would not be ready as a party with a new leader rushed into the position.

It would seem to make perfect sense for the contest to end just prior to our autumn party conference.

Finally, we need lots of candidates: people who represent the centre to the left should all be standing. This ensures we can have a debate that will hear the many voices and views of Labour. David Miliband has already announced he’s standing. The rumour mill suggests Ed Miliband, Ed Balls, Andy Burnham and John Cruddas all will too. That’s good. Hopefully a female candidate will stand as well (Yvette Cooper?).

I’m going to wait and see on my own choice for leader. For now, though, I’m championing as many candidates as possible to step forward. And for those who seem to propose a coronation of sorts – if your candidate is good enough, they’ll win in a marathon as well as a sprint.