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.