Member Article

No obvious successor: The Labour Party must make a bold choice

‘Difficult and disappointing’ were the words Ed Miliband used to describe Labour’s crushing defeat in the General Election - perhaps disastrous would be a more accurate portrayal.

In what was expected to be a closely fought contest, the Conservatives in fact embarrassed Labour ultimately leading to Miliband’s resignation. Looking at today’s results compared to five years ago, Labour have regressed. As a Labour voter myself, I’m genuinely worried - frightened even. I’m frightened at where a Tory government will take us but what frightens me more is the giant chasm in strength existing between the two parties.

What I mean to say is that I currently have very little faith in Labour’s capability to bounce back. We look weak. Labour only won 232 seats, a loss of 26 seats in five years. As I said, regression over progression for the Labour Party.

At the time Ed assumed office and began his leadership of the party I was in university. At 19 years old, with admittedly insufficient political awareness, I found myself to be very absorbent of views around me. Cameron had just won an election and Labour needed to respond.

Now even with my political naivety, it was easy to see Labour-advocating older students, teaching fellows and lecturers have very little faith in Ed’s appointment. Of course this is just a sample of one man’s experiences so you can make what you will of that. However, and I apologise for making this generalisation, I think it would be fair to say that a lot of Labour supporters around the country felt this way at the time. There was uncertainty from within as to whether Ed was the right appointment.

In politics the individual matters. Yes, parties are a collective force although the figurehead, rightly or wrongly, acts as the bottom line. Strong leaders win elections. Ed’s predecessor, Gordon Brown, was criticised for not being a strong enough leader. I believe Ed to be in the same boat.

Allow me to explain:

It’s worth pointing out that I’m actually a fan of both Gordon Brown and Ed Miliband. Gordon Brown was horribly vilified from large sections of the media, remember his infamous exchange with the ‘bigoted woman’ Gillian Duffy, where he was made to look like a bit of a buffoon. Equally Miliband has had his own share of stick, just look at some of the ridiculous bacon-sandwich eating photos plastered on the front page of nationals this week. Anyway, I digress, both men truly believe in Labour ideals and I’d say that both are really good guys. However, for me, they both have the same problem. They don’t fill you with confidence as a leader perhaps needs to for a country to really rally.

Now what I do want to say is that I think Ed has actually done well in this campaign. But Jamie, you fool, haven’t you been saying he’s not good enough? The way I see it is that Ed has shown a constant passion. He surprised many of us in the televised debates, it was pleasing to see how he held his own. Maybe , despite the loss of seats, he as an individual has performed better than many of us expected. Yet, ultimately, this wasn’t enough. Let’s be honest - the economy is still in tatters and much work is to be done. For many, Ed always had the problem of not having a big enough personality to handle the task. And no before you ask, I certainly don’t believe Cameron does although his political rhetoric and ability as an orator has always stood stronger than both Ed and Gordon’s.

Perception matters. If people don’t think Miliband is a strong enough leader to solve the problems the UK faces - they won’t vote for him. They haven’t.

What Labour now needs is a figurehead who will inspire. At grassroots level the party has great strength, potential is there and it always will be. Like it or not, as already mentioned, the presence of a strong leader matters ten fold. Its inescapable that the perception of a party will be shaped by who leads the charge.

This is why the next Labour leader must be a strong presence whereby both the party and the country can rally behind his or her cry. I can only speak for myself but I am discouraged and I believe a bold choice is needed.

I’m by no means an expert in politics (insert joke here) but unlike the kid I described trying to form a political opinion five years ago, I’m certainly a lot more politically conscious and involved. With the nature of my job it would be impossible not to form emotional bonds with the region and its difficulties in relation to the political, and subsequently economic, climate. For the last six weeks I’ve been analysing collected views of North East businesses in relation to the election. Businesses up here need the right government to be in place to flourish and reach their potential. To do that we need the right leader.

Brown and Miliband are nice guys indeed although its simply my opinion that nice isn’t enough. As I mentioned this truly is a frightening time, with more of my concern actually resting on how Labour will bounce back rather than thinking about how the Tories will shape us over the next five years. The scariest thing is that yet again there is no obvious successor. Coversely, this does of course create an opportunity for someone to really take the bull by the horns! Take note Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper et al.

The next leader must have the ability to inspire, perhaps a more radical choice should be employed. Labour have failed. We have failed. Now the correct choices at the top matter more than ever. I just hope we get it right.