Corbyn

[Workingman]

Suff, I do not disagree with your assessment of how the political landscape has changed, post Thatcher, but I do wonder how much of it will be relevant to younger and disenfranchised voters.

There is a new kid on the block and despite the best efforts of the media to destroy him the efforts failed miserably. That is the Realpolitik of the moment. Corbyn won by a landslide and Labour and the country should deal with it.

Or should they?

Rumours are that when Parliament reopens a group of centrist Labour MPs will table a motion of no-confidence in Corbyn. If more than 20% of Lab MPs agree then a new leadership challenge could take place. Wouldn't that be an edifying spectacle - not. It would certainly tell us a lot about Labour MPs and how low they would sink to try to get into power.

And when the canvassers stand at my door they get both barrels about why I will not give my support.

[saundra]

He sent me a very nice e mail yesterday to join the Labour party
I declined

[Suff]

I was trying to explain why I and many Tories, are happy with Corbyn at the helm of Labour. Even if he did win just one election, the damage he would do to Labour in the current political landscape could keep them out of power for 30 years. 30 years out of power could allow another party to form and, eventually, marginalise Labour.

No prizes for guessing how I would feel about that.

I do agree with some of what you say WM. However, I have three points.

1. We are an ageing population of whom the disenfranchised youth are a smaller proportion. Yes they may suck up the hype, but the second the reality of Left Labour starts to eat at their life, Labour will be cast aside. Our youth of today are even less socially responsible than we were when it comes to impacting their wealth, freedom and comfort.

2. Corbyn was voted in by a landslide of Labour Party Members. Many of whom registered themselves specifically to ensure he was elected. That is a far, far cry from being proportionate to the views of the electorate as a whole.

3. I don't think they are scheming for power. I think they are running scared for their political lives. These are the people who created Blairite politics out of the funeral pyre of Foot and Kinnock. They, more than anyone, know the true reality of Corbyn as a Labour leader. Why would their voters, the centre right, those they created with the "soft Tory" policies of Blair, vote for them, when they would get a Corbyn government? Better they vote Tory? Not?

[pederito1]

Being serious for once, I do like a few of his ideals, like stop demonising Putin, renationalise the railways and perhaps some other essential services,supporting the Palestinians and maybe incesare taxes on the rich to pay for some of his dreams. Had an e-mail from the Tories condemningi Comrade "C" as a "Threat to National, economic and family security" and "We cannot ever let labour into power again" ending with punch line "DONATE NOW"

[Aggers]

I'm rather looking forward to seeing Parliamentary debates with Corbyn now on the front benches.

I bet he'll give the P.M. some stick - but I hope he's not too radical.

[Kaz]

I'm hoping he will too Aggers

[Workingman]

I said he would be a pragmatist and that looks to be how he is operating.

He offered positions to those who were gong to the back benches, but they refused. Some, like Chris Bryant, were even given second choices and accepted. He has chosen lots of women. He has a mix of newcomers and old hands.

It is absolutely certain that he will have to drop some of his personal left-wing ideas, temper others and also accept some centrist thinking.

The fat lady has not even cleared her throat, never mind started trilling, on his reign just yet.

[Suff]

Ah yes, Mr pragmatic?

I thought he was supposed to be the honest one? The fair one? The one with values?

Almost 50% representation for women in his cabinet when there are only 35% of women in his parliament? Better than Cameron at 42% to 16% but still WAY over represented based on their numbers. I do wonder, if there were 65% women in parliament if they would be happy with men getting 50% representation in the cabinet???

He's already given up (reportedly), on exiting the EU and exiting NATO. He appointed a shadow chancellor whom most senior Labourites won't work with and is not respected in that role... It's one thing they thought he might back down on, but, true to the end, mates before country, which is a left wing Labour reality in the midlands I grew up with....

I wonder what he's going to have left of his principles and values when he's finished? In the end he will be seen for what he is. A professional politician.

Not that I'm complaining. I like it.

What's even more fun is that the press don't really like him either. He'll never get the same kudos Blair did. Blair could get more out of the press whilst shafting them than Corby will get from them whilst fawning all over them. The only sad thing from the Press point of view will be that they'll have to stop shafting Cameron at every turn or nobody will believe a word they say....

The game became much more interesting...

[KateLMead]

The last thing we need is a Pacifist running this country, Corbyn is an idiot...we are living in dangerous times and we will pay the price.
I also think the majority who voted for Corbyn are empty headed youngsters whose heads are filled with excitement at the thought of a revolution that will surely take place .

[Workingman]

Yes, Kate, I agree with that, but Corbyn's ideas are his, not those of the PLP or Labour supporters. They are not, and never were, Labour policies.

He is now the leader of the Labour party. He has to work to its and the country's ends. So when I say he is a pragmatist I mean it as one who takes on board opposite view while putting his own on the back burner. That is not the same as a politician who sells out in order to gain power, it is more of one who accepts reality.

I know that I am being Devil's advocate, but I am sick of the media, BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Peston and Ahmed in particular, doing their damnedest to push the Blairite rump to the fore.