SIR – As we watch the contest for the Labour Party leadership unfold, it may be timely to remember that, in the last 60 years, only two leaders have ever taken that party to any general election successes: Harold Wilson and Tony Blair, both multiple election winners.
Both Wilson and Blair possessed two common characteristics. Firstly, they didn’t scare the voters. Secondly, they both exuded that most intangible of personal traits, charisma.
If we now look closely at the five Labour leadership contenders in 2010 and check for those key features, we may conclude that there is little to concern the Conservative or Liberal Democrat parties for the next few years at least.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article