Gordon's Lib-Labbery

Hello,

Well, I am not sure what to make of the reports of the very soon to be Prime Minister Gordon Brown's offers to various Lib Dem's and even Lord Stevens to join
his big tent. However, although it will be interpreted as a sign of poor political judgement it raises a number of issues.

Firstly, Uncle Arthur thinks that GB's incumbency at number Ten Downing Street is going to throw up a number of surprises. There could be sweeping changes and a number of innovations that will help restore the vigour of UK politics and restore some degree of trust in the body politic, ok that's a big ask, but it needs to be done and I'm sure 'Big Gordie' - as Kevin Maguire calls him - will give it his best shot.

Secondly, are the Lib Dem's really serious about pluralistic politics and taking the opportunity to be involved in government? It is easy criticising from the sidelines and using the space and freedom they have to project a radical agenda but serious politics is about decision making and taking responsibility. Too often they remind me of student politicians who have not really left the union debating chamber. In all seriousness I think Ming Campbell would make an excellent Foreign Secretary but involvement in government would pose some serious questions for their rank and file.

So, in conclusion, I would expect more surprises and audacious moves by Brown, it may get messy at times but to employ a well-know cliche, 'to make an omelet, you have to break a few eggs'

Uncle Arthur's Votes

Hello,

In the interests of openness and honesty I can reveal how many votes I have had, in what sections and who I voted for.

1) Uncle Arthur's votes - Six in total (It's the beauty of the federal system)

2) Where the votes come from:

a) The Labour Party
b) SERA
c) CSM
d) Unite/Amicus
e) GMB
f) The Fabian Society

3) Who Uncle Arthur voted for and why:

a) Jon Cruddas (First Choice) I agree with his analysis and narrative
b) Hilary Benn (Second Choice) I like him and he would make a good deputy leader
c) Harriet Harman (Third Choice) I am not saying!

The choice for Deputy Leader

The other week Uncle Arthur decided to undertake some phone canvassing for Jon Cruddas MP in the midst of the election for the deputy leader of the Labour Party. It seemed that most people had received their ballot paper and various communications from the differing candicates.

Very few people seemed clear as to whom they would be voting for. Only a minority seemed to have made a genuine decision as to which candidate would be their preferred first choice on the ballot paper. It is difficult to say whether this experience is indicative of the entire Labour Party membership. However, is it the case that the choice of six candidates makes it difficult for the wavering/floating voter to come to a firm decision who to back. This makes me suspect that the eventual winner may be the one who harvests the most second preference votes. I suspect Hilary Benn may collate many second preference votes as very few people seem to dislike him, although he has not had the backing of the 'big battalions' ie a major trade union, which may tell against him. I also suspect his family name will benefit him amongst certain sentimental Labour Party voters, despite his politics being rooted in the New Labour mainstream.

Word for the Week - Hebrews 4v9

"So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God...so let us do our best to enter that rest" Hebrews 4v9.

Bishop N.T. Wright

Uncle Arthur has just discovered this website dedicated to the Bishop of Durham, Tom Wright, prodigious writer and acclaimed theologian. It is an absolute goldmine of information.

http://www.ntwrightpage.com/

Howards End - Is it a polemic?

Uncle Arthur is home for the weekend, getting some R and R and managed to see a copy of E.M Forster's 'Howards End' in the MMTM Library. Flicking through the pages reminded me of the time I went to see the film with my then girlfriend. Her take, on the end scene, when the 'John Majoresque' Leonard Bast is killed by the falling bookcase was rather novel and at the time infuriating. Her view was that he basically deserved it as he was 'vulgar'. I found this a little snobbish as my understanding was that Forster's literary agenda was to belittle the aspirational working-class and nascent socialism that dared to liberate the proletariat through the power of education. It is amazing how this literary vignettes can spark off such disagreements is it not?

Word for the Week - Proverbs 2

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God" (Proverbs 2).

Deputy Leadership

Hello,

I've been away for a while, but I have a few thoughts about the Deputy Leadership race. In the light of the sad lack of a real contest for the leadership, naturally the media have focused on the 'other' election in the Labour Party, the race to notionally replace Rt John Prescott.

Uncle Arthur is supporting Jon Cruddas in this contest and will then support Hilary Benn as a very worthy second choice. I know some people have criticised Cruddas' style on the TV debates, maybe he comes across as a rough diamond. Quite frankly, I don't really care. Labour needs a leader who can address the serious problems facing it. These are:

1) The disconnection with it's core support. Evidenced in some areas (Sandwell, Dagenham and the Potteries)by the rise in BNP activity .

2) The serious malaise within the party, (perhaps related to my first point)which I think is evidenced by a falling membership base and an erosion in the number of councillors.

I am supporting Cruddas and not necessarily dismissing the other candidates, who all have formidable experience and something distinctive to bring. However, we need a fresh face, fresh ideas, energy and momentum in the party and one person is best placed to do that in my opinion.