I suspect Martin Bright's mobile has been rather busy since then. But what is even more odd is the fact that Bright started his column this week with the words: "Short of throwing himself at Brown's feet, it is hard to imagine what more Miliband might do to show he does not want the top job." The final paragpraph read... "Miliband knows he would lose his reputation as a man of his word if he launched a challenge now, although he would be the obvious candidate if Brown's premiership was in crisis in a year's time."
Come again? The guy has just written you an article, at his own request and you still don't think he's interested in running? I think Mr Bright needs to lie down with a cold towel over his forehead.
16 comments:
Nope, I think you are wrong. He does want to pitch as an up and coming person - but he knows he would end up as 'collateral damage' this time.
Maybe next time, just after they win the next General Election..
Miliband would do well to let Brown have his time, be thoroughly rejected by the country, and then step into the limelight as the saviour of the Labour party.
There is not the political necessity for his candidacy yet, and he would be foolish to blow it in a futile battle with the "clunking fist".
"Miliband knows he would lose his reputation as a man of his word if he launched a challenge now, although he would be the obvious candidate if Brown's premiership was in crisis in a year's time." Remind me who owns the New Statesman and which Labour figure is their close friend ?
Much depends on the elections in May and how much of a drubbing Labour receives. It may be perceived by Miliband and others that there is nothing to be gained by granting the Premiership to Brown. He might too be pondering the views of a more general constituency who, these days, see nothing but abhorrence in the Chancellor just assuming the keys to No. 10 without reference to the Labour Party or the general public.
It may have been acceptable in the past, but can it be described as acceptable in this modern democratic age?
Surely at this stage it has to be keeping all options open.
Local elections important.
I think Scottish elections even more so where it's possible Labour (a) may not have greatest number of seats and (b)may not form part of ruling coalition. SNP largest party in Scotland - with first minister Salmond presumably gearing up for referendum on independence in 3 years.
Blaurence of Arabia finally heads off into the sunset/oblivion.
Electoral calculus shows local election results if repeated in general election would give Dave overall majority of 50-100.
15 soldier hostages still held by Iran.
Labour pary holds leadership election.
Nice background, particularly for Brown.
Not knowing rules is it possible for someone to come in after initial vote?
More importantly who is the libertarian blogger in Scotland who supports the SNP?
As Beckett said, it would be better to see the historical figure of Gordon Brown as the human sacrifice at the next General Election than their Milband as their new blood - at least that's how any intelligent person would have read it.
It's hard to know what to make of Martin Bright's comments, seeing as they were made on April Fools Day. Is he trying to kid us, or is he trying to kid himself, or is he just a genuinely confused person?
Miliband's long game may backfire. If he is the man he must stand and do so now. But he is not a man, so he won't.
Those hostages were taken to embarrass and punish Blair for Iraq adventure. They will be released the day after Blair leaves No 10. Blair you know what to do but will you?
Isn't it time you interviewed Miliband and asked him a few questions, Iain?
Questions I'd like to ask him:
David Miliband, if you really believe in social justice, why are you so rich and well paid?
Doesn't that make you just another rich hypocrite?
If you really believe that carbon rationing will save the planet and we must ALL act responsibly by making sacrifices and cutting our carbon consumption - why aren't you making any sacrifices?
Why do need and draw over £100,000 pa salary massive perks and a tax free pension?
A salary - and pension - of that size makes you, personally, a massive over consumer of carbon - how do you justify that?
Aren't you just another elitist politician, a greedy hypocrite, stuffing your over crammed pockets with hard working people's taxes?
So why should anyone wnat to vote for you?
Auntie Flo'
"the government is proposing the UK become the first economy in the world with a legislative framework to reduce carbon dioxide by 60 per cent ...in effect legislating to become a one-planet economy in relation to carbon." David Miliband
Except in your household, eh, Mr Milband?
Why, Mr Miliband, do you propose to cut our standard of living while annually enhancing your own SL courtesy of our taxes?
Why do you personally consume more than 10 times the national average salary and a similar excess of carbon?
Why should we do as you say, not as you do?
Do you have the guts or decency to explain why?
Auntie Flo'
Sounds to me like an extract from a "Yes Minister" script.
He has no interest in putting himself forward as a candidate but would be prepared to serve his party as leader if called upon.
I think that's how it went.
As things go from bad to much, much worse for Brown I think Miliband will eventually be persuaded to stand against him.... and win.
I wish Kelvin Hopkins or Austin Mitchell would stand up.
Both of them hate the way the country has gone, both think the electorate needs to know the truth about the EU and both think we need a referendum.
2 obvious democratic labour politicians, can we please have someone honest in labour for a change! That way the Tories will have to start telling the truth too, 'cause I'm convinced Cameron told the Eu he would be taking back powers to give them 2 years to get a binding contract inplace before the Election (I do not like coincidences!)
Whoopie doo honest politicians, how good would that be.
Iain Martin Bright has been writing some astonishingly pro Brown hagiographies in thwe NS for some time he shamelessly used material produced by the puppet PR company and sith soft funding vehicle
“ Opinion Leader Research” Of this body Dizzy noted …
“According to the Health Minister, Andy Burnham, the NHS consultation "Your health, your care, your say" which closed in November 2005 had a total bill to the taxpayer of £1.39 million out of the department's running cost budget.
Of that money, 75%, or £1.05 million went to Opinion Leader Research. That is the same Opinion Leader Research headed by long standing Labour Party consultant, member of the Smith Institute, and friend to Gordon Brown, Deborah Mattinson. Given that the NHS running cost budget is ultimately in the hands of the Treasury it makes sense to square the circle”
Guidot said…
The Brownite response, today's Guardian reports on a survey of a hundred "opinion leaders" which shows Gordon outperforming Dave on a whole range of indicators - scoring a modest 92% on integrity. ( This was the piece produced by Martin Bright )Who conducted this highly scientific "survey"? None other than Opinion Leader Research run by Deborah Mattinson, the long time Labour Party consultant who is now Gordon Brown's unofficial pollster and sits on the advisory committee of the Smith Institute - alongside the veteran U.S. pollster Bob Shrum. It was Shrum's anti-Cameron advice to the Sith that forced the Charity Commission's official investigation.
BTW
( This survey appeared in the Sun duly that day and I have seen nothing about its appalling provenance , by the way you would be amazed how little it costs to get marketing material into the Sun`s news. I know people who can do it for you)
Deborah Mattinson appears to have been bought and paid for by the Sith , or rather by us , the taxpayer. Martin Bright seems to be part of a highly disreputable team. As someone who loves the New Statesman( surprisingly perhaps ) I find it somewhat tragic to see a journalist behaving in this way. Amongst other high quality work it has the attention quality of a turd in the pool.
Millipede will not run though. He is to much of a worm and a coward he is manoevering
Re Opinion Leader Research, the recent survey of '100 opinion formers' is currently being scrutinised by the professional standards committee at the Market Research Society. This type of biased polling seriously undermines the credibility of the polling industry, so one would expect that OLR will be asked to issue a retraction statement.
Thanks anon and my point in a nut shell is that Martin Bright is very well aware of the provenance of this rubbish. He has in fact sacrificed all Jounilistic credibility and not for the first time.
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