Taking a punt on Ed Miliband as future leader
If I ever bet on politics I'd put a substantial sum of money on Ed Miliband as the next Labour leader, not least because he'd fulfil my rule of leadership elections, which is that winner is usually the youngest contender (it works for about 75% of all post-war elections).
But also because he's the one tipped by many, if not most, Labour people I speak to these days.
Now the Unite leader Derek Simpson has come out in support of the younger of the Milibands to succeed Gordon Brown.
Mr Simpson tells tomorrow's edition of the New Statesman:
"In my view [and this is a complete quote, not part of a quote] I'll be perfectly happy for Gordon Brown to continue as long as he wants and, by that time, I suspect that Ed Miliband will be experienced enough to warrant my support as Labour leader."
I'm Michael Crick, and I'm Newsnight's political editor. My guiding rule is that in any story there's usually something the politicians would prefer the world not to know. My job is to find that out. Follow me on
Comment number 1.
At 3rd Mar 2010, Phillip wrote:What I find shameful and fundamentally wrong is the way Derek Simpson is acting as a Kingmaker. It is shameful and wrong that one person can wield so many votes in a Labour Party leadership election. It is like the 'super delegates' of the Democrats in the US. Why should one person's vote matter more than anothers?
That should be the spin of this story Michael, not the Ed Miliband prospects of becoming leader.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 1)
Comment number 2.
At 3rd Mar 2010, jauntycyclist wrote:no no no crick.
Lord Tony is coming back in a 'Return of the Jedi'.
as the only labour leader who has won three elections he is young enough to do another 10 years once Gordon has been humbled to the back benches as a failure.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 2)
Comment number 3.
At 3rd Mar 2010, barriesingleton wrote:McCAVERTY - THE BACK BENCHES - YOU ARE JOKING (#2)
And as for Limited Ed Miliband leading anything but a scramble for the ice-cream van, squaddies might fly!
Much more worthwhile to consider what excuse Brown will use to spend more time with his pension. How is his capital with the World Bank? A figurehead post perhaps? He is going to want a medal - Tony got one.
Or will he turn to fiction writing? A series of novels where the underrated Man of Courage saves the world from the machinations of the 'Antichrist Orator', by throwing gold into the Cracks of Doom?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 3)
Comment number 4.
At 3rd Mar 2010, Isatou wrote:So you accept that Brown is finished ?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 4)
Comment number 5.
At 3rd Mar 2010, jauntycyclist wrote:labour is more likely to think 'new labour' has failed so go back to a real socialism candidate?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 5)
Comment number 6.
At 4th Mar 2010, Death or Tory wrote:@ jauntycyclist
Spot on! - Michael, you would be better off putting your money on Jon Cruddas as Leader after GB implodes post-Election. Ironically, he could be just the kind of unity candidate that Labour needs.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 6)
Comment number 7.
At 4th Mar 2010, barriesingleton wrote:CRUDDAS CERTAINLY IMPRESSES AS LESS-AWFUL (#6)
But would he wear the right vest into that iniquitous place, on the first day? Who will rid us of this terrible charade?
Has he ever stood up for US? Those who connive at Party Games and the Westminster ethos, AND SAY NOTHING, are condemned by their own inaction.
SPOIL PARTY GAMES.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 7)
Comment number 8.
At 4th Mar 2010, JunkkMale wrote:Twitter - Straight from the horse's mouth - Michael Crick has blogged on why he thinks Ed Miliband could be a top tip
Gotta watch those equine anatomical allusions. But I guess, like so much these days, if those who know better than others simply say it, then it must be 'settled'.
Unless of course, one begs to differ. Then things go flat.
I believe presenting science on Cbeebies with Justin in the kitchen cabinet with the rocket scientist awaits.
Or is that being cut too?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 8)
Comment number 9.
At 4th Mar 2010, stevie wrote:please not one of the Millies, their Dad had priciples but would hardly recognise the Labour party of today, Labour HAS to move left as any further to the right they will be outTorying the Tories, tuition fees, Iraq, the 10p fiasco all disasters that even Maggie would not have touched with the proverbial so Cruddas must be given a chance......
Complain about this comment (Comment number 9)