Labour Leadership Contest

[llcoolphil]

Whilst not strictly a question about the current leadership vote, I thought that people here might be able to tell me why Tony Blair, who is the Middle East peace envoy for the United Nations, European Union, United States, and Russia is currently on a book signing tour whilst a peace conference is taking place in Washington between Palestine and Israel?

I realise that Blair was a Bush recruit to the role, and the current administration will want to be seen to be fixing the Middle East, but does the job mean so little that he actually isn't needed. Did he have anything to do with making this happen, or is it just that he is being paid no matter what he actually does?

[Pogues Mcgogues]

So can you explain how the voice of 258 MPs (I think, it's about that) is worth the same as 60,000 ordinary members? Are you sure this is a democratic process? Because from where Im sat, it takes 232 ordinary members to have the same say as 1 MP. The figures will be even worse for TU members and affiliates. Are you sure this isn't a top down driven party that doesn't ignore the ordinary member as you keep telling me?

[glastofun]

Does anyone know if the Sky 1 Leadership debate will be broadcast again? I missed it last night.

[eFestivals]

Whilst not strictly a question about the current leadership vote, I thought that people here might be able to tell me why Tony Blair, who is the Middle East peace envoy for the United Nations, European Union, United States, and Russia is currently on a book signing tour whilst a peace conference is taking place in Washington between Palestine and Israel?

I realise that Blair was a Bush recruit to the role, and the current administration will want to be seen to be fixing the Middle East, but does the job mean so little that he actually isn't needed. Did he have anything to do with making this happen, or is it just that he is being paid no matter what he actually does?

You're incorrect in thinking that Blair is "the Middle East peace envoy for the United Nations, European Union, United States, and Russia".

Blair is NOT a peace envoy. His role is limited to economic aspects of the situation, perhaps just limited to the effects of the Israeli economic blockade of Gaza.

[eFestivals]

Does anyone know if the Sky 1 Leadership debate will be broadcast again? I missed it last night.

Sky have been advertising the fact that it's abler to be viewed again via the red button.

[llcoolphil]

Welcome back.

Given that MP's are voted in by the CLP, with the backing of the CLP, and the CLP deicide as a CLP if they'll back a candidate, your definition is far too simple.

How was your festival?

[Pogues Mcgogues]

Thanks.

Nonsense. What that means is that ordinary members in a constituency with a labour MP have a greater say than ordinary members in a constituency without a labour MP. Though this would also assume that everyone in a CLP would be voting for the same candidate and it also assumes a CLP has some control over how an MP votes.

The fact remains that 1 MP has the same influence as 232 ordinary members and significantly more trades union and other affiliate members. It's basic maths. And this was the exact purpose of the reform because the CLP didn't want a leader they couldn't live with being foisted on them by the party.

One of the best Ive been to this summer

[llcoolphil]

Well with that kind of argument do you expect every CLP to support every vote that their MP makes in parliament. It's the same kind of scenario but I agree with you and at the same time don't as well. It would be fairer, in my opinion, if every prospective MP had the same voting rights as a sitting MP. That way every CLP is covered.

However, this is the election where the voting system for electing leaders is challenged, and has been challenged with 'success' because members under one year like oaf can vote, and so it is something to vote on when choosing the leader. If you paid your fee's you would know.

[Pogues Mcgogues]

Laughable pogo, laughable. The fact remains that the party is dominated from the top because the PLP have the biggest say. 1 vote for the PLP = 232 votes of the ordinary member. But hey, if you think you've challenged and changed the system, you keep right on believing lad.

[eFestivals]

Well if you care so much you come and make change in the way you believe it. If you aren't willing to do that then mind your own buisness and put your efforts into your own way of making change.

And the people who are in the PLP are choosen by the CLP, choosen from the grass roots!

complete and utter bullshit.

The local parties have candidates forced on them by the NEC.

[llcoolphil]

You aren't a member of a union? Oh deary!

[llcoolphil]

Well if you care so much you come and make change in the way you believe it. If you aren't willing to do that then mind your own buisness and put your efforts into your own way of making change.

[Pogues Mcgogues]

The local parties have candidates forced on them by the NEC.

[llcoolphil]

When it comes to a unionised work force, if you're not part of the solution you are part of the problem.

Edited September 6, 2010 by llcoolphil

[eFestivals]

The local parties have candidates forced on them by the NEC.

Nope

Jack Dromey for starters.

There were at least 5 others shoehorned into seats by the NEC against local party wishes in the (maximum) 3 months before the May election.

You have a real accurate idea of how your glorious party works, eh comrade?

[Pogues Mcgogues]

Once true, not anymore. You might remember that every government from 1997 to the present day failed to revise Thatcher's union legislation.

[Alcatraz]

By all accounts all five candidates have made good noises about stopping the centralised parachuting of candidates. Although its going to be hard if All-Women shortlists are going to be expanded

[llcoolphil]

Whilst union membership is not declining anymore, if it doesn't start to rise and have a voice that can challenge those in government then you most certainly are part of the problem. You're even spreading the lies that a Union is worthless or that it can't help you.

[dakyras]

f**k Unions.

I'd vote for Ed Balls, because every Prime Minister should look jolly. And fat people pull that look off the best.

[Ed209]

[llcoolphil]

Get your house on Ed Milliband. Had a very reliable tip - and Im talking very reliable here - and he's backed his confidence with doing the business

[Alcatraz]

Get your house on Ed Milliband. Had a very reliable tip - and Im talking very reliable here - and he's backed his confidence with doing the business

[oafc0000]

Will be disappointed if it isn't D Mililband... Ed might make a few people smile but I fear it will result in 16 years sat in opposition...

[Alcatraz]

Well what would you know?

[oafc0000]

Well what would you know?