Wednesday 9 June 2010

Diane Abbott goes through to next Labour leader round

Diane Abbott has gained enough nominations to get onto the Labour leadership ballot paper.  The backbencher managed to reach the threshold after fellow left-winger John McDonnell withdrew from the race.  Ms Abbott wil go up against four former cabinet ministers - Ed Balls, Andy Burnham and David and Ed Miliband.  Labour members, trade unionists, MPs and MEPs will now be balloted and the result announced on 25 September.

"glamour modelling isn't that glamorous"

Ms Abbott, a left winger who entered the race because she wanted to offer an alternative to the male, middle class New Labour field, was helped to reach the thirty-three nominations she needed with the backing of fellow leadership contender David Miliband and acting Labour leader Harriet Harman.  Commenting as nominations closed, Ms Harman said: 'This will be the biggest and most widespread election of any political party or any organisation in this country.  The contest will be open engaging and energising. It will be a chance to invite supporters to join the party to have a vote.'  She said four million people were expected to vote in the contest, which she described as an 'opportunity to take forward the rebuilding for our party for the future challenges ahead'.

Does this mean she won't be coming back to This Week?  God forbid the poisoned dwarf be asked on again.