Labour contenders set for TV debate
The six contenders for deputy leader of the Labour party have agreed to meet in a televised debate with Jeremy Paxman on tonight’s Newsnight programme.
The announcement of the debate follows an increasingly passionate contest for the post.
In sharp contrast to the leadership campaign, which Gordon Brown won without a contest following John McDonnell’s failure to secure enough nominations, the deputy leadership contest has seen a real debate over the future direction of the Labour party.
Northern Ireland secretary Peter Hain recently clashed with Labour chairwoman Hazel Blears over plans to extend police stop-and-question powers.
While Mr Hain warned the plans might lead to a “domestic equivalent of Guantanamo Bay”, Ms Blears said they were “flexible and sensible”.
Meanwhile, work and pensions minister Alan Johnson launched a strongly-worded attack against Labour MP Margaret Hodge for her suggestion that British families should get priority when applying for social housing.
Jon Cruddas, the only MP to consistently highlight the issue of Iraq, is forging a left-wing agenda and garnering critical union support.
“From Iraq to Trident, from commercialisation of public services to workers’ rights, I understand the concerns and frustrations of party members,” he said.
Bookmakers currently favour Hilary Benn, the international development secretary. While he barely gained enough nominations from MPs to make it on the ballot, he is very popular with the rank-and-file membership.
Close behind is Alan Johnson, with Mr Hain the least fancied of the candidates.
One third of the vote is undertaken by party members, another third by the three-million strong members of trade unions and affiliated bodies, and a final third by Labour MPs and MEPs.
The ballot closes on June 22, with a special Labour conference to unveil the deputy leader two days later when Gordon Brown is officially installed as Labour leader and prime minister.
