Tuesday 12th May 2015

[Swarthlander]

I'll drink to that.
Sorry ivenever provided any snacks. I can make a date and walnut loaf (nice with ketchup) and bring some Twiglets, only a few weeks past their sellby

I prefer the banana and black pudding fritters or the corned beef and custard pie.

[PorFavor]

Chuka, please no no no.

To veer, so violently, from Ed Miliband to Chuka Umunna would dent Labour's credibility - probably irretrievably. It would be akin to renaming (again) the Party. I don't believe we could get away with it.

[AngryAsWell]

...The other thing I wanted to say after these days of pain, is that we need to be much braver. When we are confronted with a corrupt and complicit media that refuses to debate policy proposals and insists on forcing narratives on us, we should call it for what it is - an attempt to smother democratic debate in the interests of the richest and most corrupt.

I agree and it could start by Labour spokespeople being a bit more agressive during interviews and not allow themselves to be side-tracked or talked over.

Also when the Party eventually decides where it's going, those that brief against the Party message need kicking up-the-ass.

I really agree with this.

I really want the thanks button back.... thanks - I agree with milkems too! and Swarthlander !

[TheGrimSqueaker]

I'll drink to that.
Sorry ivenever provided any snacks. I can make a date and walnut loaf (nice with ketchup) and bring some Twiglets, only a few weeks past their sellby

I prefer the banana and black pudding fritters or the corned beef and custard pie.

Corned beef & custard? I thought everybody knew it was fish fingers and custard.

[Willow904]

Chuka, please no no no.

Have put a few links in Features and Analysis - he has his own "page" along with Liz Kendall

Thanks.

[AngryAsWell]

Have just finished the Tristram Hunt article posted earlier by (Roger?) sorry cant find who posted it now, but thanks for doing so now. Anyway, he comes across really well. I hope he stands so we get the chance to hear him properly.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfre ... stram-hunt

[PorFavor]

Boris Johnson has wryly compared his new position in David Cameron’s political cabinet to a zero-hours contract as he insisted that it would not interfere with his primary job as mayor of London. (Guardian)

And what about his job as a constituency MP? Or is that taken care of by virtue of the constituency being part of London?

This stinks.

[StephenDolan]

Boris Johnson has wryly compared his new position in David Cameron’s political cabinet to a zero-hours contract as he insisted that it would not interfere with his primary job as mayor of London. (Guardian)

And what about his job as a constituency MP? Or is that taken care of by virtue of the constituency being part of London?

This stinks.

Presumably he's in favour of not voting as an MP on matters devolved to London.

[ephemerid]

mikems - excellent stuff from you today, thank you.

The whole democratic socialism idea is very good - and Labour should think long and hard about it. So much depends on who the next leader is.
Once the sifting has been done, we'll have an idea who the front-runners are.
I'm disappointed that Jarvis can't stand for the leadership - we need someone very tough who can stand up to Cameron and Osborne; but also someone the public who abandoned Labour can identify with. I'm still keen on Angela Eagle.
Don't like Umunna, Cooper; not that keen on Kendall; Burnham would be good but only if he nails the lie about Mid-Staffs once and for all.

Harriet's letter is OK, but we have been here before with Labour - there is talk of inclusion and consultation (YourBritain being a case in point) but when it comes down to it those initiatives are taken up by members then ignored. That sort of thing has to improve.

Also, as Swarthlander says, people who are not supportive of the party's aims and/or its' leader need to be sorted out. I am sick of the Danczuks and Manns of the party briefing so negatively as it confirms the accusations of division. Ed did some good work on unifying Labour but there are still more than a few self-publicising prats who won't knuckle down and give a 100% commitment.

There's a lot to take in, a lot to learn (DHP is absolutely correct on that) and a time for reflection would be sensible. I hope it happens.
My worry is that there will be some bunfight for 6 months while they prat about with the leadership thing - and Harriet needs to get a strong team onside to oppose effectively until a new leader is elected.
The Tories are wasting no time pushing through what they want - Labour remains the opposition and they need to concentrate. The Tories do not have such a huge majority that they can afford to be complacent; there needs to be some work on alliances in opposition and Labour are best placed to do that, and they should.

For me, the leader is crucial - the wrong one, and I might have to reconsider my membership. Pragmatism isn't everything.

[AngryAsWell]

This is why I kept banging on yesterday about the last minute tory SNP scare storm on the marginals winning the election rather than Ed losing it

General Election results: Did just 900 voters hand the Tories a majority government?
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/ampp3d/gen ... ar_twitter

[StephenDolan]

' Before we start I want everyone around this table to be absolutely clear what we are here to do and who we are here to do it for. I think it is absoluely vital that in every decision that we take, in every policy we pursue, every programme we start, it is about giving everyone in our country the best chance of living a fulfilling and good life and making the most of their talents. That is what this government is going to be about.'

Cameron at the start of cabinet.

I want that referenced (especially all the everys and everyone's) by opposition MPs when the next serving of cruelty is unveiled.

[LadyCentauria]

I'll drink to that.
Sorry ivenever provided any snacks. I can make a date and walnut loaf (nice with ketchup) and bring some Twiglets, only a few weeks past their sellby

I prefer the banana and black pudding fritters or the corned beef and custard pie.

So glad that the modern Haven cuisine is growing in popularity so much that you've used the lip-licking smiley, @Swarthlander. That is what means, isn't it?

@Tonibel You bring snacks to mind every time your name appear on the boards - 99s, icecream-oysters, zooms, etc., - but the date and walnut loaf (with ketchup) would be a welcome addition

[DonutHingeParty]

Chuka, please no no no.

To veer, so violently, from Ed Miliband to Chuka Umunna would dent Labour's credibility - probably irretrievably. It would be akin to renaming (again) the Party. I don't believe we could get away with it.

Chukka Umunna was one of the Labour MPs who put Ed Miliband forward for leader. I don't think he's as Blairite as people paint him.

[AngryAsWell]

This is why I kept banging on yesterday about the last minute tory SNP scare storm on the marginals winning the election rather than Ed losing it

General Election results: Did just 900 voters hand the Tories a majority government?
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/ampp3d/gen ... ar_twitter

In these constituencies, you only need half of those people to switch from Conservative to Labour for the Tories to lose their majority in government.

In Gower, for instance, if 14 people who voted for the Tories had voted for Labour instead, Gower would have become a Labour seat. Just 14 people!

If that happened in all of these seven constituencies, the Tories still would have won more seats than any other party but, at 324 seats, they wouldn't have managed an outright majority.

Tallying up the switched votes needed for Labour to get these seven seats, we end up with a total of 901 people.

So less than a thousand people effectively decided the outcome of the election.

Next time someone tells you your vote is worthless, you might want to remind them of this.

[PorFavor]

ephemerid wrote:

The Tories are wasting no time pushing through what they want - Labour remains the opposition and they need to concentrate. The Tories do not have such a huge majority that they can afford to be complacent; there needs to be some work on alliances in opposition and Labour are best placed to do that, and they should.

I totally agree. Labour should not give the impression that they are so de-clawed and cowed that they are unable to do the job for which they were elected. To give the impression that they are so solely wrapped up in their internal machinations that they can't take in the wider picture would be a spectacular own-goal.


Edited to add

And who knows when a by-election might pop up?

Also - extraneous full stop removed and an "s" added

[ephemerid]

New Minister for disabled people is Justin Tomlinson.
In the last Parliament, he voted - for bedroom tax, crisis/hardship help to be the responsibility of LAs, reductions in benefit spending; and against: with-inflation rises in benefits, and higher amounts for those sick and/or disabled for long periods.

As Priti Patel, who thinks that British workers are the "idlers of Europe", is minister for employment, and now Tomlinson who voted as above is minister for people with disabilities, IDS has minions in place who despise the people they are in government to deal with.

Not looking good.

[TechnicalEphemera]

Chuka, please no no no.

To veer, so violently, from Ed Miliband to Chuka Umunna would dent Labour's credibility - probably irretrievably. It would be akin to renaming (again) the Party. I don't believe we could get away with it.

Chukka Umunna was one of the Labour MPs who put Ed Miliband forward for leader. I don't think he's as Blairite as people paint him.

No I think that is true.

The problem is he is just too London.

[Swarthlander]

So glad that the modern Haven cuisine is growing in popularity so much that you've used the lip-licking smiley, @Swarthlander. That is what means, isn't it?

It is now.

There was a sitcom on TV (I can't remember which one and it's driving me crazy) where an 'old dear' kept turning up with weird concoctions of sandwiches.
She would be ideal as the FTN caterer.

[Willow904]

Chuka, please no no no.

To veer, so violently, from Ed Miliband to Chuka Umunna would dent Labour's credibility - probably irretrievably. It would be akin to renaming (again) the Party. I don't believe we could get away with it.

Chukka Umunna was one of the Labour MPs who put Ed Miliband forward for leader. I don't think he's as Blairite as people paint him.

He still looks about 15, though and the clip where he announced he was standing looked like a selfie he was about to upload to Youtube.
I think Tristram Hunt hasn't got the right image either, but at least I could be persuaded that he could be capable and competent and win people over. I'm just not getting that from Umunna at all. Am I missing something?
On the plus side, quite a few of the next gen seem to have Ed connections. Maybe his influence will be of lasting benefit?

[utopiandreams]

So glad that the modern Haven cuisine is growing in popularity so much that you've used the lip-licking smiley, @Swarthlander. That is what means, isn't it?

It is now.

There was a sitcom on TV (I can't remember which one and it's driving me crazy) where an 'old dear' kept turning up with weird concoctions of sandwiches.
She would be ideal as the FTN caterer.

Mrs. Doyle of Father Ted comes to mind, Swarthlander, but rather than weird concoctions it was the sheer quantity that I remember.

Edit: Would you like a cup of tea?

[Swarthlander]

...I think Tristram Hunt hasn't got the right image either, but at least I could be persuaded that he could be capable and competent and win people over. I'm just not getting that from Umunna at all. Am I missing something?...

To me, Umunna has the air of a unsympathetic bank manager or city-boy. I'm not comfortable with him.

I will wait until the offical list is out and then have a long hard think about the candidates.

[Swarthlander]

Mrs. Doyle of Father Ted comes to mind, Swarthlander, but rather than weird concoctions it was the sheer quantity that I remember.

No not Mrs Doyle, love her. It may have been the old dear in Vicar of Dibley. Mrs Cropley with anchovy and peanut butter sarnies or ham and lemon curd.

I'm so on topic.

[AngryAsWell]

...I think Tristram Hunt hasn't got the right image either, but at least I could be persuaded that he could be capable and competent and win people over. I'm just not getting that from Umunna at all. Am I missing something?...

To me, Umunna has the air of a unsympathetic bank manager or city-boy. I'm not comfortable with him.

I will wait until the offical list is out and then have a long hard think about the candidates.

I'll update the files as and when each one declares
I hope they do the debates again I found them really helpful last time, helped get a sense of what they really feel and will do.

[TheGrimSqueaker]

So glad that the modern Haven cuisine is growing in popularity so much that you've used the lip-licking smiley, @Swarthlander. That is what means, isn't it?

It is now.

There was a sitcom on TV (I can't remember which one and it's driving me crazy) where an 'old dear' kept turning up with weird concoctions of sandwiches.
She would be ideal as the FTN caterer.

Letitia Cropley (the wonderful Liz Smith) in the Vicar of Dibley.

[DonutHingeParty]

So glad that the modern Haven cuisine is growing in popularity so much that you've used the lip-licking smiley, @Swarthlander. That is what means, isn't it?

It is now.

There was a sitcom on TV (I can't remember which one and it's driving me crazy) where an 'old dear' kept turning up with weird concoctions of sandwiches.
She would be ideal as the FTN caterer.

It was the incomparable Liz Smith in the Vicar of Dibley, if you're thinking of the same thing as me.

[PorFavor]

Chuka, please no no no.

To veer, so violently, from Ed Miliband to Chuka Umunna would dent Labour's credibility - probably irretrievably. It would be akin to renaming (again) the Party. I don't believe we could get away with it.

Chukka Umunna was one of the Labour MPs who put Ed Miliband forward for leader. I don't think he's as Blairite as people paint him.

Yes. I'm still rather mystified by that.

[yahyah]

Email to Labour Party members... (posted here for those who aren't)

This election result was bitterly disappointing for our party. But I want to thank you for your support and set out how we will go forward.

Our task now is fourfold. Our first priority is to form the most effective, determined opposition we possibly can. People are looking to us now to challenge the Tories every step of the way — and we have 232 passionate, committed Labour MPs who are going to do exactly that.

Second, we must remain stable and united as we reflect and begin to rebuild.

Thirdly, we need a proper analysis of our result at this election — a result we were not expecting. I have commissioned a careful exploration of the facts to begin to answer this question. And we will listen to you as members and to the public.

Fourthly, we will elect our new leader and deputy leader. The leadership election will be held under the new one-person-one-vote rules agreed earlier this year, which will make it the fairest, most inclusive leadership election this party has ever had. We will be finalising the timetable for the election later this week, and we'll let you know as soon as we have more details.

Thank you. Though we are deeply disappointed not to be in government, we will come back — together.

Harriet

Harriet Harman
Acting Leader of the Labour Party

21,945 new members and counting

Big tin foil hat time.
How many of those 21,945 are Tories who've signed up to vote for the candidate the right wing think they can best fight ?

[Tonibel]

So glad that the modern Haven cuisine is growing in popularity so much that you've used the lip-licking smiley, @Swarthlander. That is what means, isn't it?

It is now.

There was a sitcom on TV (I can't remember which one and it's driving me crazy) where an 'old dear' kept turning up with weird concoctions of sandwiches.
She would be ideal as the FTN caterer.

Vicar of Dibley?

[Swarthlander]

@Grim @DHP @Tonibel - Thank you

You know you can rely on FTN.

[AngryAsWell]

Email to Labour Party members... (posted here for those who aren't)

This election result was bitterly disappointing for our party. But I want to thank you for your support and set out how we will go forward.

Our task now is fourfold. Our first priority is to form the most effective, determined opposition we possibly can. People are looking to us now to challenge the Tories every step of the way — and we have 232 passionate, committed Labour MPs who are going to do exactly that.

Second, we must remain stable and united as we reflect and begin to rebuild.

Thirdly, we need a proper analysis of our result at this election — a result we were not expecting. I have commissioned a careful exploration of the facts to begin to answer this question. And we will listen to you as members and to the public.

Fourthly, we will elect our new leader and deputy leader. The leadership election will be held under the new one-person-one-vote rules agreed earlier this year, which will make it the fairest, most inclusive leadership election this party has ever had. We will be finalising the timetable for the election later this week, and we'll let you know as soon as we have more details.

Thank you. Though we are deeply disappointed not to be in government, we will come back — together.

Harriet

Harriet Harman
Acting Leader of the Labour Party

21,945 new members and counting

Big tin foil hat time.
How many of those 21,945 are Tories who've signed up to vote for the candidate the right wing think they can best fight ?

I think there is a time limit on how long you are a member before you can vote - I hope so

[PorFavor]

Email to Labour Party members... (posted here for those who aren't)

This election result was bitterly disappointing for our party. But I want to thank you for your support and set out how we will go forward.

Our task now is fourfold. Our first priority is to form the most effective, determined opposition we possibly can. People are looking to us now to challenge the Tories every step of the way — and we have 232 passionate, committed Labour MPs who are going to do exactly that.

Second, we must remain stable and united as we reflect and begin to rebuild.

Thirdly, we need a proper analysis of our result at this election — a result we were not expecting. I have commissioned a careful exploration of the facts to begin to answer this question. And we will listen to you as members and to the public.

Fourthly, we will elect our new leader and deputy leader. The leadership election will be held under the new one-person-one-vote rules agreed earlier this year, which will make it the fairest, most inclusive leadership election this party has ever had. We will be finalising the timetable for the election later this week, and we'll let you know as soon as we have more details.

Thank you. Though we are deeply disappointed not to be in government, we will come back — together.

Harriet

Harriet Harman
Acting Leader of the Labour Party

21,945 new members and counting

Big tin foil hat time.
How many of those 21,945 are Tories who've signed up to vote for the candidate the right wing think they can best fight ?

I think there is a time limit on how long you are a member before you can vote - I hope so

I said that, yesterday! Your turn . . . .

[Tubby Isaacs]

New Minister for disabled people is Justin Tomlinson.
In the last Parliament, he voted - for bedroom tax, crisis/hardship help to be the responsibility of LAs, reductions in benefit spending; and against: with-inflation rises in benefits, and higher amounts for those sick and/or disabled for long periods.

As Priti Patel, who thinks that British workers are the "idlers of Europe", is minister for employment, and now Tomlinson who voted as above is minister for people with disabilities, IDS has minions in place who despise the people they are in government to deal with.

Not looking good.

I know someone who used to work with Tomlinson, and apparently he's not a swivel eyed loon at all. But as you say, he voted for all that stuff.

And the £12bn is hanging over the whole social security budget. £45 per week per working age claimant. I've wondered before if they have any attention of keeping that promise- looked like a balancing figure to me, put in so that the "right" answer was reached. Tomlinson might actually be an OK appointment in that he'll have more of a sense of the limits than some would.

[PorFavor]

@AngryAsWell

I feel as though we are turning into a hopelessly dysfunctional tag-team!

[utopiandreams]

Did I say I was glum earlier? Froth and spittle after what I've just heard on Daily Poilitcs of politicians renewing themselves. It is one thing the quiet man believing in his Damascene conversion to champion of social justice, but why do commentators who should know better indulge him so?

[LadyCentauria]

Rail workers have voted to strike over working hours and pay. (BBC News)

[yahyah]

Coulson trial starts 10am, Friday 15th May at High Court in Edinburgh.

[AngryAsWell]

@AngryAsWell

I feel as though we are turning into a hopelessly dysfunctional tag-team!

Tag team match rules
http://prowrestling.wikia.com/wiki/Tag_team

[PorFavor]

@yahyah

Please don't take this amiss - I'm as angry as you are. But your tagline - I hope people will complain about the government and will be moved to take some (admittedly belated) affirmative action.

[PorFavor]

@AngryAsWell

I feel as though we are turning into a hopelessly dysfunctional tag-team!

Tag team match rules
http://prowrestling.wikia.com/wiki/Tag_team

Thanks! And that reminds me - I must watch "The Princess Bride" again some time soon.

[TheGrimSqueaker]

And another obstacle to the scrapping of the HRA. Maybe this is all part of Cameron's plan to take us back to the good old days of the 1980s; attacks on the unions, interest rate rises crippling the housing market (Carney will have to give way sooner or later) and an Irish terrorist campaign.

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015 ... -agreement

[yahyah]

@yahyah

Please don't take this amiss - I'm as angry as you are. But your tagline - I hope people will complain about the government and will be moved to take some (admittedly belated) affirmative action.

I'll change it. What I really meant is 'If you didn't vote Labour where they could win, please don't come whinging to me when you are affected'.

That piece in the Mirror, and Gower particularly is an eye opener.

Rhodri Morgan said he knew Cardiff North wasn't a gain when at about 9.45pm one of the Labour tellers said there were 'too many Tories, and too many people who thought they had the luxury of voting *Green or Plaid'. Results show that it did not have to go to the Tories.
Just seven or eight seats like that, and the outcome would have been different.

(any Greens reading who take offence, please take that up with Rhodri Morgan, not me).

[PorFavor]

@yahyah

Please don't take this amiss - I'm as angry as you are. But your tagline - I hope people will complain about the government and will be moved to take some (admittedly belated) affirmative action.

I'll change it. What I really meant is 'If you didn't vote Labour where they could win, please don't come whinging to me when you are affected'.

That piece in the Mirror, and Gower particularly is an eye opener.

Rhodri Morgan said he knew Cardiff North wasn't a gain when at about 9.45pm one of the Labour tellers said there were 'too many Tories, and too many people who thought they had the luxury of voting *Green or Plaid'. Results show that it did not have to go to the Tories.
Just seven or eight seats like that, and the outcome would have been different.

(any Greens reading who take offence, please take that up with Rhodri Morgan, not me).

You're a star!

Edited to add

I don't advocate tea and sympathy, and "there theres". But I don't think seeming to slam the door is wise. We should welcome them to a political de-tox, for want of a better term. Tough love and all those other extremely irritating buzz-words. Still, I'm sure you know what I'm getting at.

[Tubby Isaacs]

@yahyah

Please don't take this amiss - I'm as angry as you are. But your tagline - I hope people will complain about the government and will be moved to take some (admittedly belated) affirmative action.

I'll change it. What I really meant is 'If you didn't vote Labour where they could win, please don't come whinging to me when you are affected'.

That piece in the Mirror, and Gower particularly is an eye opener.

Rhodri Morgan said he knew Cardiff North wasn't a gain when at about 9.45pm one of the Labour tellers said there were 'too many Tories, and too many people who thought they had the luxury of voting *Green or Plaid'. Results show that it did not have to go to the Tories.
Just seven or eight seats like that, and the outcome would have been different.

(any Greens reading who take offence, please take that up with Rhodri Morgan, not me).

I think a few seats were like that- Chris Williamson wasn't thought to be in any danger.

Greens and Plaid are distinct, so lots of people voted for them everywhere because they were the best fit. Probably a few would have voted tactically if they'd known it was much closer, but hard to say.

[yahyah]

Another reason to wonder about the polling errors Tubby.

Not saying it was a conspiracy, but it certainly didn't help people who thought they had the luxury of not voting Labour to make a good decision in their constituency.

[ohsocynical]

I always assumed with our particular troll (let us call it Cerberus for convenience) that it was down to inadequacies in the bedroom department.

I'm sure most trolls suffer from feelings of inadequacy. That said, if trolls feel inadequate, it does show some self-awareness on their part.

Or simply reacting to years of being bullied (the only reasonable explanation for Osborne as well).

Whatever the reason, it is a mental illness.

I saved a really good article on this affliction, but I lost it when my computer crashed.

[AngryAsWell]

@yahyah

Please don't take this amiss - I'm as angry as you are. But your tagline - I hope people will complain about the government and will be moved to take some (admittedly belated) affirmative action.

I'll change it. What I really meant is 'If you didn't vote Labour where they could win, please don't come whinging to me when you are affected'.

That piece in the Mirror, and Gower particularly is an eye opener.

Rhodri Morgan said he knew Cardiff North wasn't a gain when at about 9.45pm one of the Labour tellers said there were 'too many Tories, and too many people who thought they had the luxury of voting *Green or Plaid'. Results show that it did not have to go to the Tories.
Just seven or eight seats like that, and the outcome would have been different.

(any Greens reading who take offence, please take that up with Rhodri Morgan, not me).

The three bonkers tory voters I spoke to (all "scared of SNP") live in Bury North 5th one in the mirror list.

[PorFavor]

Email to Labour Party members... (posted here for those who aren't)

This election result was bitterly disappointing for our party. But I want to thank you for your support and set out how we will go forward.

Our task now is fourfold. Our first priority is to form the most effective, determined opposition we possibly can. People are looking to us now to challenge the Tories every step of the way — and we have 232 passionate, committed Labour MPs who are going to do exactly that.

Second, we must remain stable and united as we reflect and begin to rebuild.

Thirdly, we need a proper analysis of our result at this election — a result we were not expecting. I have commissioned a careful exploration of the facts to begin to answer this question. And we will listen to you as members and to the public.

Fourthly, we will elect our new leader and deputy leader. The leadership election will be held under the new one-person-one-vote rules agreed earlier this year, which will make it the fairest, most inclusive leadership election this party has ever had. We will be finalising the timetable for the election later this week, and we'll let you know as soon as we have more details.

Thank you. Though we are deeply disappointed not to be in government, we will come back — together.

Harriet

Harriet Harman
Acting Leader of the Labour Party

21,945 new members and counting

Big tin foil hat time.
How many of those 21,945 are Tories who've signed up to vote for the candidate the right wing think they can best fight ?

I'd be surprised. If there were any, I think it would be very few indeed. First of all, they think Labour is already finished. Second, they would be spending their money on the Labour party. That would stick in the craw of many.

I suspect many are those like me (well, one of them is me) who had intended to join or rejoin for a little while and the election gave impetus to. Then there are those who want to influence the direction of travel for the right reasons. As I said earlier today, I think a lot of Labour folk are determined that defeat doesn't lead to a lurch to the right.

And thirdly - they'd be far more likely to vote for someone on the left since they'd see such a move as being to their own advantage. Unless they're much more cunning than that.

[ohsocynical]

This is a must read for us I think given what we've just been discussing. It's very interesting.

http://www.curezone.org/forums/troll.asp

[tinybgoat]

Email to Labour Party members... (posted here for those who aren't)

This election result was bitterly disappointing for our party. But I want to thank you for your support and set out how we will go forward.

Our task now is fourfold. Our first priority is to form the most effective, determined opposition we possibly can. People are looking to us now to challenge the Tories every step of the way — and we have 232 passionate, committed Labour MPs who are going to do exactly that.

Second, we must remain stable and united as we reflect and begin to rebuild.

Thirdly, we need a proper analysis of our result at this election — a result we were not expecting. I have commissioned a careful exploration of the facts to begin to answer this question. And we will listen to you as members and to the public.

Fourthly, we will elect our new leader and deputy leader. The leadership election will be held under the new one-person-one-vote rules agreed earlier this year, which will make it the fairest, most inclusive leadership election this party has ever had. We will be finalising the timetable for the election later this week, and we'll let you know as soon as we have more details.

Thank you. Though we are deeply disappointed not to be in government, we will come back — together.

Harriet

Harriet Harman
Acting Leader of the Labour Party

21,945 new members and counting

Big tin foil hat time.
How many of those 21,945 are Tories who've signed up to vote for the candidate the right wing think they can best fight ?

I think there is a time limit on how long you are a member before you can vote - I hope so

I've just downloaded 2013 rule book,
(didn't read it all, just on lunch break)
and think endorsed members get to vote,
which looks to take minimum of 8 weeks.

Now off to reheat coffee.

[tinybgoat]

deleted,
posted twice,
I hate my phone