A day in the race: June 19th

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

As ComRes publishes polling that suggests Labour support is stagnant since the general election at just 30% (Con 36%, Lab 30%, LD 23%), today’s events were mostly focussed around the BAME hustings in Leicester. To coincide with that, one of the candidates made an announcement about the extent of their support from BAME elected members and activists, whilst another wants to see a “diversity fund” established.

DAVID MILIBAND announced on his website today a list of BAME supporters under the headline “We’re backing David because he will stand up for the BAME community in the Labour Party”. The list includes 5 MPs, 40 councillors and chairs of party affiliated groups such as Chinese for Labour.

This follows an announcement yesterday that if elected he would, “Establish a Leadership Academy to develop talented Labour people from underrepresented communities.”

ED BALLS also covered the issue of under-representation in the party today. Balls outlined his plans for a diversity fund for potential MPs as part of an article for the new Labour Values site, saying:

“I am proposing the establishment of a Labour Party Diversity Fund. For every pound we raise as a party, from whatever source, we should set aside a given percentage for investment in the fund. Even just a few pence in every pound could make a real difference to those that need help to stand, and would give a voice to those who struggle to be heard.”

In a busy day for Balls, he also visited Midlands region Co-op council as well as attending hustings with all of the other candidates this afternoon.

ED MILIBAND spent this morning canvassing in Leicester for a council by-election – the only candidate to do so this morning – before attending hustings in what can either be seen as a sign of dedicated activism, or a play to the gallery of dedicated activists. Ed then rounded off his day with Lilian Greenwood, the new MP for Nottingham South, at a joint Q&A with party members and UNISON Labour Link payers.

Meanwhile back in London his campaign team were hard at work phone canvassing members this morning in what looks to be an increasingly well co-ordinated operation.

ANDY BURNHAM, as has been the case throughout the campaign, seems to be focussed on the hustings rather than on the ground organisation. However his campaign, which Burnham has chosen to base in Manchester, remains largely shrouded in mystery.

Much of the debate at today’s hustings was centered around Tory plans for “free schools”, and Burnham as the strongest advocate of Comprehensive education said that whilst in government Labour hadn’t “spoke up proudly enough for comprehensive education.” It remains to be seen how former schools minister David Miliband and former DCSF chief Ed Balls will respond to this line if used again.

DIANE ABBOTT gave an impassioned closing speech today at the BAME hustings and got by far the loudest cheer today (albeit at an event that was supposed to be cheer free). Speaking to Labour councillor and activist Tulip Siddiq on the train after hustings today (and then relayed via Twitter), Abbott listed her reasons for standing for leader. Tulip reported Diane as listing “other women asked her to, to stop immigration debate from going mad, need for diversity” were her top reasons.