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.