Party Lines: October 8th

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

Today was a big day for the party, with Ed Miliband announcing his new shadow cabinet after yesterday’s election results. You can find out how the day unfolded by checking out our liveblog, or keep reading for the pick of today’s Labour figures in the media.

Labour leader Ed Miliband released a statement today after the announcement, stressing that this new cabinet is “a new generation”:

“I am delighted with my new shadow cabinet, drawn from a broad range of talents across our party. My team is united in one central mission for the future – to win back the trust of the British people and take Labour back to power.”

“Together, this new generation of Labour will work together to reject the pessimism of this coalition government as we set out our vision of what Britain can achieve. Our values are those of the British people, and this shadowc abinet will ensure that the hopes and concerns of working families are at the heart of our offer to the country.”

Speaking to Sky News this afternoon, new shadow chancellor Alan Johnson said he thought Alistair Darling had “got it just about right” on deficit reduction:

“Alistair Darling’s plans are our starting point, I’ve never agreed Alistair’s proposals were over too short a period, I think he got it just about right.”

Diane Abbott today promised to be a strong voice in opposition, after failing to be elected to the shadow cabinet. In a statement on her website, Abbott said:

“I am disappointed to not be part of Labour’s new Shadow Cabinet but I wish my peers that have been picked, all the very best.”

I will happily work alongside our new leader to help him to carry out the vision of our party’s future, and will continue to be a strong voice within the party and in opposition. I will do all I can to help oppose the coalition’s cuts which I believe fulfil a Tory agenda of scaling back the welfare state, rather than the needs of our society.”

Speaking to BBC Radio 4 later today, Diane praised the appointment of Alan Johnson as shadow chancellor, calling it “clever”:

“Well I think presentationally it is very clever…I think he will compare very favourably against George Osborne.”

Ed Balls has been tipped by many for the shadow chancellor post – instead he’ll be shadowing the home office – but he insisted that the roles themselves aren’t the important thing in an interview with BBC News:

“The most important thing isn’t about who’s doing particular jobs, it’s about winning the argument.”

“The shadow home secretary brief is very important, I’m looking forward to doing it.”

Yvette Cooper was another candidate tipped to take the shadow cabinet post, especially after her impressive showing in the shadow cabinet elections. However she’ll be shadowing the foreign office, and told Sky News:

“I’ve got such a great job to do…I think Alan Johnson will be a great shadow chancellor”

Some had suggested that Yvette might be unhappy about missing out on the shadow chancellorship, but chief whip Rosie Winterton was quick to dispute this, telling Sky News that was “ridiculous”:

“The role of shadow foreign secretary is hugely important, the idea that that would be in anyway some kind of disappointment is ridiculous.”

One of the big surprises of the shadow cabinet campaign (at least outside of the Labour Party) has been the relative success of popular MP John Healey, who will now take on the health portfolio. Healey said he is “delighted” to be serving the party in his new role:

“I am delighted to be appointed shadow health secretary. The government’s plans will damage care for patients and dismantle the NHS as our national health service. The British public are proud of the NHS, and it’s always been at Labour’s heart. I look forward to working with Ed Miliband to show clearly and quickly what the Tory plans will mean for people and their families.”