Labour opts for long leadership campaign
By politics.co.uk staff
Labour will not have a new leader until September 25th, party officials have decided.
The decision for a long leadership election campaign was taken by the National Executive Committee as it met to draw up the rules of the process in parliament today.
Many senior Labour figures had demanded a lengthy and robust leadership contest so that the party can emerged rejuvenated from a stint in opposition.
Acting Labour leader Harriett Harman said the party had an opportunity to “reflect, renew itself and re-engage with the people of Britain” during the race.
“Over the coming months, the candidates will meet thousands of people at meetings across the country, including events organised in workplaces and take part in innovative online discussions and campaigns,” she said.
“This leadership contest is Labour’s opportunity to re-engage with the British people, to be a constructive and powerful opposition to the new government and take forward the rebuilding of our party for the future challenges ahead.”
Gordon Brown originally set a timetable of until the party’s autumn conference. The committee chose to substantiate that approach, with the result to be announced one day before the party officially meets for its autumn conference in Manchester on May 26th.
But the leadership contest is currently suffering from a lack of contenders, with only the Miliband brothers having officially thrown their hat in the ring.
This morning, left-wing MP Jon Cruddas said he would not stand. Harriet Harman, Yvette Cooper and Alan Johnson have also ruled themselves out.
