Chuka Umunna is ordained by Peter Mandelson as his next Labour leader

[letmein]

http://i3.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5291157.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Chuka-Umunna.jpg

He's seen as the natural heir to Blair - and even Peter Mandelson's backing him. But will Chuka Umunna win the race to succeed Ed Miliband?

The resignation of Ed Miliband has left Labour looking for a new leader - but could Chuka Umunna fill his shoes?

London lawyer Umunna is just 36, charismatic, good looking, a strong public speaker and many are calling him the natural heir to Blair.

He's even a friend in New Labour architect Lord Mandelson - who has called for the party to look towards the centre ground as it rebuilds after its crushing election defeat.

Here's everything you need to know about Chuka Umunna - and why he could be Labour's next leader.

Who is Chuka Umunna?

http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5077922.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Chuka-Umunna.jpg

Chuka Umunna is a 36-year-old lawyer from London. He studied English and French Law at Manchester University, after attending private, boys' secondary school St Dunstan's College in Catford, London.

He's worked as a solicitor for City of London firm Herbert Smith and at law firm Rochman Landau, where he specialised in employment law.

He's been a senior member of centre-left think tank compass, and has written about social and economic issues for the New Statesman, Financial Times and the Guardian among others.

A long-time Labour member, he was selected as candidate for Streatham in 2008. He won the seat in the 2010 general election with a majority of 2,359.

He was appointed shadow business secretary by Ed Miliband in 2011, replacing John Denham, and has served in that position ever since.

Is he a Blairite?

http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5674446.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Screen-Shot-2015-05-10-at-171728.png

He describes himself as a "One Nation Labour" politician - and has written articles in support of the "Blue Labour" movement within the party.

It's safe to say he's on the right wing of the Labour party, reviving the New Labour focus on aspiration that many critics complained was absent from Miliband's campaign.

He wrote in the Guardian: "We can do this in five years if we make the right decisions now and present that aspirational and compassionate case to the British people which we are so good at. We can do this."

Is he running for the leadership?

http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5674397.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Chuka-Umunna.jpg

Officially he says he "certainly intends to play the fullest part I can in rebuilding the party” but that it was “too early to say.”

Unofficially, just two days after Miliband's resignation, Umunna published an article on the future of the party in the Guardian and appeared on the Andrew Marr show alongside Lord Mandelson who was full of praise for the young politician.

He was also photographed looking very statesmanlike walking to Marr's studio with girlfriend Alice Sullivan - who has previously stayed well away from the public eye.

Does he have a chance of winning?

http://i3.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5542918.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Chuka-Umunna.jpg

Umunna has made a strong first move, staking out the words "aspiration" and "compassion" - and attaching himself to Labour's most successful period in modern history by sitting next to Mandelson.

He's also been described as the "British Obama" - a nickname he claims to hate, but it's a comparison that goes beyond the colour of his skin. He's a fluent public speaker, is charismatic and is undeniably good looking.

The only things counting against him are criticisms that he's "too smooth" - but after the hard time Miliband got for being "goofy", it's hard to hold that against him.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/who-chuka-umunna-meet-fresh-5674318

[the truth]

hes vile and if mandelson backs him that should be enough to put you off

[joeysteele]

He would be fine for me, I like Chuka, he is one who could turn things round quickly in or even under 5 years.
He will be able to build bridges more easily with business for sure.

[Livia]

The "Heir to Blair" and backed by Mandleson. Ah well, that's him damned for all time.

[joeysteele]

No matter what the views of as to the UK of Tony Blair and I didn't like him, one thing he was, was a big winner.
He won the 2 biggest ever majorities ever in politics post war in the UK.
I also even think, he likely would have scraped home in 2010 too, despite the Iraq Issue.

I think the term heir to Blair is that he has the personal skills of someone like Blair, rather than he is like a duplicate.
Just as Cameron is seen as a son of Thatcher,who also was a greatly divisive figure too.

If Chuka is already getting the put down from Conservative supporters, then for me he must be a really good choice.
Labour should really bear that in mind.

[Kizzy]

If Blairites in the Labour party want someone more focused on business then I guess that's him, I just hope it's not to the detriment of core principles.

[arista]

If Blairites in the Labour party want someone more focused on business then I guess that's him, I just hope it's not to the detriment of core principles.


Yes he is Tory Lite

[Crimson Dynamo]

Cant see this happening

[joeysteele]

If Blairites in the Labour party want someone more focused on business then I guess that's him, I just hope it's not to the detriment of core principles.

He'd be good,he is also good at getting the message across how it is meant too.

There is nothing wrong at all with most Conservative values when they are policies that have fairness,justice and compassion about them.

3 things totally non existent in this Conservative party since Cameron took over.
Chuka will focus on also being fair to business, because he believes the 2 go hand in hand, fairness to business and the people they employ, brings success and stability to both.

Ignore the Blairite rubbish, Chuka only became an MP in 2010,that's just people,who have no time for Labour, trying to already do him down.

If he did win the leadership and achieved anywhere near the electoral success Blair did, then I am all for that.

[Kizzy]

He'd be good,he is also good at getting the message across how it is meant too.

There is nothing wrong at all with most Conservative values when they are policies that have fairness,justice and compassion about them.

3 things totally non existent in this Conservative party since Cameron took over.
Chuka will focus on also being fair to business, because he believes the 2 go hand in hand, fairness to business and the people they employ, brings success and stability to both.

Ignore the Blairite rubbish, Chuka only became an MP in 2010,that's just people,who have no time for Labour, trying to already do him down.

If he did win the leadership and achieved anywhere near the electoral success Blair did, then I am all for that.

You're right, it's just that name 'Blair' it strikes fear in the heart :laugh:

[bots]

No matter what the views of as to the UK of Tony Blair and I didn't like him, one thing he was, was a big winner.
He won the 2 biggest ever majorities ever in politics post war in the UK.
I also even think, he likely would have scraped home in 2010 too, despite the Iraq Issue.

I think the term heir to Blair is that he has the personal skills of someone like Blair, rather than he is like a duplicate.
Just as Cameron is seen as a son of Thatcher,who also was a greatly divisive figure too.

If Chuka is already getting the put down from Conservative supporters, then for me he must be a really good choice.
Labour should really bear that in mind.

I think Chuka would be a great choice :laugh:

Seriously though, while Blair was incredibly successful, Chucka needs to steer clear of what people came to despise in Blair. If he does that, I think he will do well with the voters. However, the left are going to moan, you can bet a million on it

[Shaun]

I had a feeling he'd be the one picked.

[armand.kay]

He's qt :thirsty:

[Samuel.]

Not sure the country's ready for anything but a white prime minister

[Crimson Dynamo]

Q3MsrxWvcS0
qFIQFBYlKo8

[jennyjuniper]

He's a lawyer, which always make me wary and a politicion, which is two strikes. Now if he had a sideline selling second hand cars it would be three strikes and he would be 100% untrustworthy.

[joeysteele]

He's a lawyer, which always make me wary and a politicion, which is two strikes. Now if he had a sideline selling second hand cars it would be three strikes and he would be 100% untrustworthy.

Charming.
Nothing wrong with lawyers, I am one and am also looking to go into politics.
Ironically a lot of lawyers do, not all should be generalised for the dubious actions of some.

[Livia]

He's a lawyer, which always make me wary and a politicion, which is two strikes. Now if he had a sideline selling second hand cars it would be three strikes and he would be 100% untrustworthy.

Takes offence at the "lawyer" comment...

[JoshBB]

I have really mixed views on him.

I think that he could be ultimately Blair 2.0 is what my concern is. A few good things (eg. minimum wage, fox hunting ban).. but a few awful things such as the iraq war. Another worry is that Labour might need to go centre-ground to win another election which seems to be repeated a lot but I personally would prefer a more left-wing candidate (similar to ed miliband but a bit more honest)

[Crimson Dynamo]

He's a lawyer, which always make me wary and a politicion, which is two strikes. Now if he had a sideline selling second hand cars it would be three strikes and he would be 100% untrustworthy.

quite right

my brother is a partner in a large law firm and he is as bent as a 3 bob note






(he isnt in case he ever sees this and sues me)


:worry:

[JoshBB]

Just a question because I'm trying to form some evidence-based opinions here,

For those who are more right than they are left - which politician would you prefer to see lead Labour (that you'd consider voting for).

And for those who are more left than they are right - how about you?

(as someone who is between left-wing and centre-left my personal view would probably have been someone like Diane Abbott but perhaps not in terms of electability)

[Livia]

quite right

my brother is a partner in a large law firm and he is as bent as a 3 bob note






(he isnt in case he ever sees this and sues me)


:worry:

If he sues you and is looking for witnesses, he can call me.

[joeysteele]

Just a question because I'm trying to form some evidence-based opinions here,

For those who are more right than they are left - which politician would you prefer to see lead Labour (that you'd consider voting for).

And for those who are more left than they are right - how about you?

(as someone who is between left-wing and centre-left my personal view would probably have been someone like Diane Abbott but perhaps not in terms of electability)

I was on the right until 2012 and am now firmly on the left.

However,Andy Burnham is a guy I admire in Labour and always have.
I am however a realist too and know Labour has to win again so I cannot see that happening with Andy sadly.
Had I been a member of Labour in 2010 then I would have voted for Andy,even over both Milibands.

I am waiting to see who all the candidates are but so far I am for Chuka, I think he could attain success like Blair's but obviously not as strong, while holding onto the really good Labour values too.
In other words making Labour electable while not alienating the core vote.

[bots]

Dianne Abbot or someone equivalent would be an ideal choice for labour leader

[the truth]

he has a vile personality is thoroughly ignorant and always plays the false outrage card

[joeysteele]

he has a vile personality is thoroughly ignorant and always plays the false outrage card

Sorry but in my view that is just totally wrong.

[the truth]

Sorry but in my view that is just totally wrong.

ok that's your view, my view will be proved 100% correct over time

[joeysteele]

ok that's your view, my view will be proved 100% correct over time

I am sure it will not be,sorry to be so blunt.

[the truth]

[/B]
I am sure it will not be,sorry to be so blunt.

no offence taken

[Kizzy]

'He’s been touted as the “British Obama”, (although it’s allegedly a tagline that came from his own office) but in reality, he’s the last thing Labour needs. Situated to the right of Ed Miliband, Umunna – who describes himself as “Blue Labour” – is seen by Blairites as the man to bring back all the Tory voters who didn’t trust Labour this time round. However, this genius plan of simply becoming more like the Tories just won’t work, as there’s already a party that does this expertly: the Tories.'


:/


http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/chuka-umunna-is-the-last-thing-labour-needs--a-proausterity-leader-who-calls-people-trash-10247245.html

[the truth]

its not left or right ...it comes down to the individual issues

[MTVN]

He has now withdrawn from the leadership contest :huh:

[Pete.]

:suspect:

[arista]

He has now Withdrawn from being a leader

Live SkyNewsHD

[Ross.]

Erm :suspect:

[bots]

It simply means that he has something dodgy in his past that he has been told will likely come out if he continues with his bid to be leader. People don't have a turnaround that quick unless some sort of threat has been made.

[arista]

It simply means that he has something dodgy in his past that he has been told will likely come out if he continues with his bid to be leader. People don't have a turnaround that quick unless some sort of threat has been made.


yes Front Page weekend
maybe


http://news.sky.com/story/1484585/chuka-umunna-drops-labour-leadership-bid

[smudgie]

It simply means that he has something dodgy in his past that he has been told will likely come out if he continues with his bid to be leader. People don't have a turnaround that quick unless some sort of threat has been made.

Hmmmm, could be, either that or not enough people are prepared to nominate him.
Personally I fancy Liz Kendal for the job.

[joeysteele]

I think it is hard to measure at first how much pressure will be brought into play when you seek the leadership of a party, it is likely why few who would make really good leaders actually do throw themselves into the contest.

He said he would run but had until June 10th I believe it is,to be fully confirmed as a candidate.
If little has been found against him in a whole election campaign as when he could have been the possible future Business secretary, then I doubt there is much to find in his life that would be really damaging.
The Sun, Mail and Telegraph could have easily done so,so that is an unfair presumption I would say.

He has withdrawn quickly, I am sad as to that.
However if he has already had the vision of how much his life is to be turned totally upside down,coupled with the announcement yesterday that it will be a 'longer' campaign for leader,rather than a short one,taking until September now.
That may have had him think, whoa,enough is enough.

He can actually,in my view, do a greater job, probably bringing businesses back to Labour as Shadow Business secretary than maybe he could ever do as Leader.

Plenty time also now too, for another chance to come in the future for him too.

[joeysteele]

Hmmmm, could be, either that or not enough people are prepared to nominate him.
Personally I fancy Liz Kendal for the job.

This is just possibly who they will go for now.I actually like her too.

[MTVN]

599161674390724608

[Crimson Dynamo]

he has just pulled out

:omg:

[bots]

I think it is hard to measure at first how much pressure will be brought into play when you seek the leadership of a party, it is likely why few who would make really good leaders actually do throw themselves into the contest.

He said he would run but had until June 10th I believe it is,to be fully confirmed as a candidate.
If little has been found against him in a whole election campaign as when he could have been the possible future Business secretary, then I doubt there is much to find in his life that would be really damaging.
The Sun, Mail and Telegraph could have easily done so,so that is an unfair presumption I would say.

He has withdrawn quickly, I am sad as to that.
However if he has already had the vision of how much his life is to be turned totally upside down,coupled with the announcement yesterday that it will be a 'longer' campaign for leader,rather than a short one,taking until September now.
That may have had him think, whoa,enough is enough.

He can actually,in my view, do a greater job, probably bringing businesses back to Labour as Shadow Business secretary than maybe he could ever do as Leader.

Plenty time also now too, for another chance to come in the future for him too.

You make fair points. I would say in response, and this applies to any MP, if its too time consuming/too much pressure to be leader, then he should exclude himself from a cabinet position too, and I would question what the hell they are doing in politics if they are not prepared to give their full commitment to it.

I think its a general failing of all MP's these days, its a job, not a passion to see success for the country.

[the truth]

I think it is hard to measure at first how much pressure will be brought into play when you seek the leadership of a party, it is likely why few who would make really good leaders actually do throw themselves into the contest.

He said he would run but had until June 10th I believe it is,to be fully confirmed as a candidate.
If little has been found against him in a whole election campaign as when he could have been the possible future Business secretary, then I doubt there is much to find in his life that would be really damaging.
The Sun, Mail and Telegraph could have easily done so,so that is an unfair presumption I would say.

He has withdrawn quickly, I am sad as to that.
However if he has already had the vision of how much his life is to be turned totally upside down,coupled with the announcement yesterday that it will be a 'longer' campaign for leader,rather than a short one,taking until September now.
That may have had him think, whoa,enough is enough.

He can actually,in my view, do a greater job, probably bringing businesses back to Labour as Shadow Business secretary than maybe he could ever do as Leader.

Plenty time also now too, for another chance to come in the future for him too.

I dont like to say I told you so but.......lol
You should listen to the truth more often:hehe:

[Pete.]

599161674390724608
Drama on the horizon?

[MTVN]

Apparently the press were even doorstepping his girlfriend's 102 year old grandmother :bored:

[Crimson Dynamo]

Apparently the press were even doorstepping his girlfriend's 102 year old grandmother :bored:

thats the game you play in high end politics

[Kizzy]

If Mandelson liked him I'm suspicious.

[the truth]

yea im sure thats why he quit? NOT....too many skeletons chukan, then being ordained by the prince of darkness was the killer blow

[Crimson Dynamo]

labour and english cricket

together working towards catastrophe

[bots]

If Mandelson liked him I'm suspicious.

Yep, why they dragged him out again this leadership campaign is completely beyond me

[joeysteele]

Apparently the press were even doorstepping his girlfriend's 102 year old grandmother :bored:

I actually find that despicable under any circumstances.

Anyone would expect much greater attention when running for high office but this is a disgrace if correct.

I adored my Grandmother, she only reached her 80s but I would be horrified if even she had been drawn into media attention as to anything I may have done or set out to do in life.

[bots]

The press just don't have any morals at all these days. What scandal is an old woman going to know. Harassment of any family members should be made an offence.

[joeysteele]

The press just don't have any morals at all these days. What scandal is an old woman going to know. Harassment of any family members should be made an offence.

I 100% agree with that,I would be absolutely furious, had it been my Grandmother, girlfriend's Grandmother or even just a friend's Grandmother.

Far from being any better or in any way more responsible after the scandals and inquiry into the press, the press seem to be actually getting even worse.

[joeysteele]

I dont like to say I told you so but.......lol
You should listen to the truth more often:hehe:

No thanks, you said he had a vile personality was arrogant.

:nono:Firstly.I don't mind some arrogance in politicians but as to him having a vile personality, well I will never agree with that.
So really you haven't with respect, told me anything then or now, I can agree with.

[the truth]

Not thanks, you said he had a vile personality was arrogant.

:nono:Firstly.I don't mind some arrogance in politicians but as to him having a vile personality, well I will never agree with that.
So really you haven't with respect, told me anything then or now, I can agree with.

lol I made in clear he would never get anywhere, you seemed to think he had huge potential as a leader....cant you even be a good sport when you get it hopelessly wrong? as for this sudden caring for his old granny from new labour fans, where was the compassion for the 1000+victims of stafford hospital, the endless nhs cover ups, the 25000 per annum who died under their watch from undiagnosed blood clots, the mass spread of mrsa across the nhs, the spate of unofficial do not resuscitate decisions not discussed with families, the billions lost to the nhs from failure to claim back insurance

The middle management and trusts wasting millions, the almost impossible difficulty of getting scanned, the endless labour stealth taxes , robbing from the poorest and parking charges in nhs hospitals etc etc the sell out to europe making endless more laws and making life ever more intolerable, the billions blair gave back in the rebate, the massive youth unemployment rates, oh and the 160000+ abortions a year where parents felt rushed and felt they werent given options and support, the bankrupt economy the cutbacks down to their bankruptcy waste and mismanagement, the gap between rich and poorer bigger than for 200 years?. oh and 1 million dead iraqis....where is the new labour compassion on all that eh?....this new labour compassion is very selective and very biased......dont worry the bones of the skeletons in chukas cupboard will soon be laid bare by those nasty reporters who dare report the truth....the alastair campbells of this world prefer to subdue all discussion and bury the truth under dodgy dossiers

[the truth]

The press just don't have any morals at all these days. What scandal is an old woman going to know. Harassment of any family members should be made an offence.

they may be scum but better a society with a free press than new labour destroying censoring free speech and free press.....how do you think wed expose the mp expenses scandals and all the other stinking corruption they get up to

[joeysteele]

lol I made in clear he would never get anywhere, you seemed to think he had huge potential as a leader....cant you even be a good sport when you get it hopelessly wrong? as for this sudden caring for his old granny from new labour fans, where was the compassion for the 1000+victims of stafford hospital, the endless nhs cover ups, the 25000 per annum who died under their watch from undiagnosed blood clots, the mass spread of mrsa across the nhs, the spate of unofficial do not resuscitate decisions not discussed with families, the billions lost to the nhs from failure to claim back insurance

The middle management and trusts wasting millions, the almost impossible difficulty of getting scanned, the endless labour stealth taxes , robbing from the poorest and parking charges in nhs hospitals etc etc the sell out to europe making endless more laws and making life ever more intolerable, the billions blair gave back in the rebate, the massive youth unemployment rates, oh and the 160000+ abortions a year where parents felt rushed and felt they werent given options and support, the bankrupt economy the cutbacks down to their bankruptcy waste and mismanagement, the gap between rich and poorer bigger than for 200 years?. oh and 1 million dead iraqis....where is the new labour compassion on all that eh?....this new labour compassion is very selective and very biased......dont worry the bones of the skeletons in chukas cupboard will soon be laid bare by those nasty reporters who dare report the truth....the alastair campbells of this world prefer to subdue all discussion and bury the truth under dodgy dossiers

Look, all you want to do is be so outrageous you get people to argue,I did this the other night with you and got absolutely nowhere so I refuse to rise to the bait again.

You are the one who is usually the most uncompromising,I have many times agreed with you in the past and likely will at times in the future.
When, you don't go on every thread spouting out your grievances on subjects not even related to the thread in anyway at all.
Lord man, you are on about Iraq and the NHS even on here.

I get, you are someone who has seen and had bad experiences across a range of events and feel strong anger for them and who you rightly or wrongly blame for those events.
I understand that.
It doesn't make you always right however and so it is pointless to debate with you.

Also, as to the inference of the Grandmother possible incident,you are wrong again, it is said that it was his Girlfriend's 102 year old Grandmother,not his.

Now, whether that is true or not doesn't matter at this time.
If it is true however, I was brought up to respect my Grandparents.
You may think it perfectly fine as to such an action by the media, if it is revealed it did occur, however I never would agree that was right for anyone, in any circumstances.

I do think he had great potential as a leader, you don't, fair enough.
Mine is in the word 'think', you always 'know.
I'd rather give people the benefit of the doubt when I can.

[Crimson Dynamo]

its obvious he is a fragile man and has no place in a leader challenge

its good news that he has been found out before it was too late

[bots]

There is a lot more to this withdrawal than meets the eye. That seems pretty obvious. I hope some further clarification is provided at some point because I would hate to think that someone has been hounded in to standing down by the press/opponents in his own party or combination of the two. Something doesn't smell right

[the truth]

Look, all you want to do is be so outrageous you get people to argue,I did this the other night with you and got absolutely nowhere so I refuse to rise to the bait again.

You are the one who is usually the most uncompromising,I have many times agreed with you in the past and likely will at times in the future.
When, you don't go on every thread spouting out your grievances on subjects not even related to the thread in anyway at all.
Lord man, you are on about Iraq and the NHS even on here.

I get, you are someone who has seen and had bad experiences across a range of events and feel strong anger for them and who you rightly or wrongly blame for those events.
I understand that.
It doesn't make you always right however and so it is pointless to debate with you.

Also, as to the inference of the Grandmother possible incident,you are wrong again, it is said that it was his Girlfriend's 102 year old Grandmother,not his.

Now, whether that is true or not doesn't matter at this time.
If it is true however, I was brought up to respect my Grandparents.
You may think it perfectly fine as to such an action by the media, if it is revealed it did occur, however I never would agree that was right for anyone, in any circumstances.

I do think he had great potential as a leader, you don't, fair enough.
Mine is in the word 'think', you always 'know.
I'd rather give people the benefit of the doubt when I can.
the benefit of the doubt like we did with tony bliar? one day youll come to the conclusion new labour was pure evil.....why wait 20 years to realise that fact why not realise it now?

[arista]

I think it is hard to measure at first how much pressure will be brought into play when you seek the leadership of a party, it is likely why few who would make really good leaders actually do throw themselves into the contest.

He said he would run but had until June 10th I believe it is,to be fully confirmed as a candidate.
If little has been found against him in a whole election campaign as when he could have been the possible future Business secretary, then I doubt there is much to find in his life that would be really damaging.
The Sun, Mail and Telegraph could have easily done so,so that is an unfair presumption I would say.

He has withdrawn quickly, I am sad as to that.
However if he has already had the vision of how much his life is to be turned totally upside down,coupled with the announcement yesterday that it will be a 'longer' campaign for leader,rather than a short one,taking until September now.
That may have had him think, whoa,enough is enough.

He can actually,in my view, do a greater job, probably bringing businesses back to Labour as Shadow Business secretary than maybe he could ever do as Leader.

Plenty time also now too, for another chance to come in the future for him too.


If he lasts


I think he is in the wrong party
he should be a Conservative

[kirklancaster]

QUOTE: THE TRUTH: "...as for this sudden caring for his old granny from new labour fans, where was the compassion for the 1000+victims of stafford hospital, the endless nhs cover ups, the 25000 per annum who died under their watch from undiagnosed blood clots, the mass spread of mrsa across the nhs, the spate of unofficial do not resuscitate decisions not discussed with families, the billions lost to the nhs from failure to claim back insurance"

Not forgetting; Where was the Liberal Left Wing outrage when the mob of moronic in-breeds violently disrupted Nigel Farage's 'quiet peaceful' Sunday Lunch? Where was the 'caring' for Farage and his terrified wife and children then?

The hypocrisy of the Left makes me puke.

Their unflinching denial of ESTABLISHED FACTS frightens me.

Chukka Obamamunna is an arrogant, overly ambitious, publicity loving, snake-oily egotist who is so far up his own anal orifice that he has to push his fingers up it to be able to chew nervously on his fingernails - something which he will be doing far more frequently now since he has been so rapidly deflated.

As leader, he would have been a liability for the Labour Party in the long run and they are better off without him.

[bots]

I would never describe myself as left wing, I equally denounced what happened to Nigel and his family, as did many if not all the posters who have commented in this thread, so not sure who these left hypocrites are :shrug:

[joeysteele]

I would never describe myself as left wing, I equally denounced what happened to Nigel and his family, as did many if not all the posters who have commented in this thread, so not sure who these left hypocrites are :shrug:

I am from the left now, as you know.
I also condemned the harrasment of Farage and his family.regularly too, not just once.

Very sadly, Kirklancaster has chosen the path to condemn by generalising 'all' people from the left.
The problem is there are good and bad on the left and right, even centre,of politics.
None have the full hold on moral high ground.

[joeysteele]

the benefit of the doubt like we did with tony bliar? one day youll come to the conclusion new labour was pure evil.....why wait 20 years to realise that fact why not realise it now?

Oh for goodness sake I didn't like Tony Blair.

However,he did many good things while PM, the minimum wage introduction,increasing winter fuel payments for pensioners,increasing the rate for cold weather payments for the elderly sick and disabled.
Introducing pension credit and yes, investing in the NHS, because when he came to power, wards were closed because they were no Nurses to man them,just to name some.

Evil is a ridiculous word, so I won't even bother to respond to such a hysterical outburst there.

He did wrong on Iraq, that is all I would question him on,however none of any of that, has any bearing on Chuka Ummunah,he wasn't even an MP when Tony Blair was PM.
In fact he wasn't when Gordon Brown was either.

Also If the electorate never forgave parties for doing some wrong when in govt;then we would never ever have a govt; of likely any party again.

I am really sorry to say but sometimes I cannot believe you are serious.

[kirklancaster]

I would never describe myself as left wing, I equally denounced what happened to Nigel and his family, as did many if not all the posters who have commented in this thread, so not sure who these left hypocrites are :shrug:

I specifically stated Left Wing, if you do not identify with that description Then why respond?

The degree of 'outrage' I refer to - like a lot of IS atrocities - was muted at best and totally lacking at worst.

I was not just referring to this thread topic when I referred to hypocrisy and will post a fully comprehensive post on the subject later on a new thread, so perhaps you can 'take me to task' then?

In any event, The Truth's post which I commented upon on this thread contains a lot of truth.

[Kizzy]

And where is the denouncement of the government minister being tried for human rights offences currently?... or the right wing media slurring deceased members of politicians families?... or decisions taken without public consultation to sell off nationalised companies losing billions in public funds?...or removing human rights afforded following years of campaigning and sacrifice by generations of people in the UK?...the

And we are meant to collectively throw our hands up over a handful of demonstrators in a country pub? I think there's a serious lack of perspective in this.

[MTVN]

Well IDS isn't being tried is he

[Kizzy]

Sorry I meant investigated.

'The United Nations has launched an investigation into whether Iain Duncan Smith's disability benefit changes have led to "grave or systemic violations" of disabled people's human rights.

The UN's Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which is carrying out the unprecedented inquiry, has the power to launch a formal probe if it receives "reliable information" that human rights violations have occurred in a country signed up to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

This comes after a report last month by the Just Fair coalition suggested that the UK had descended from being an international leader in disability rights to being in danger of becoming a "systematic violator of these same rights".

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/28/un-dwp-benefits-disabled-human-rights-probe_n_5727580.html



'The Department for Work and Pensions has been ordered to disclose the number of Incapacity Benefit and ESA claimants who have died between November 2011 and May 2014.'

The ruling comes from the Information Commissioner after an appeal by Vox Political‘s Mike Sivier.

But it seems likely to have been delayed – possibly for political reasons. If the number of deaths has been high, then it would generate a backlash against the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties that presided over them in the Coalition Government.'

http://voxpoliticalonline.com/2015/05/01/victory-for-vox-political-dwp-ordered-to-give-details-of-benefit-related-deaths/

http://voxpoliticalonline.com/2015/04/27/delay-in-decision-on-esa-deaths-to-influence-the-election/

http://www.welfareweekly.com/dwp-face-legal-action-over-unreasonable-disability-benefit-delays/

[bots]

I specifically stated Left Wing, if you do not identify with that description Then why respond?

The degree of 'outrage' I refer to - like a lot of IS atrocities - was muted at best and totally lacking at worst.

I was not just referring to this thread topic when I referred to hypocrisy and will post a fully comprehensive post on the subject later on a new thread, so perhaps you can 'take me to task' then?

In any event, The Truth's post which I commented upon on this thread contains a lot of truth.

You did jump into this thread where I had just posted stating that I thought it was wrong that the press had targeted family members. Of course I'm going to respond to your sweeping outburst.

[MTVN]

Well it looks like no Sunday front page but the DM website has its main story about Chuka being a member of an exclusive London club where they eat £150 steaks and drink £4k cognac: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3084677/Exposed-Chuck-Chuka-s-shady-secret-Labour-MP-belongs-members-den-300-cognac-locker-bar-named-rattled-leadership-contender.html

[JoshBB]

QUOTE: THE TRUTH: "...as for this sudden caring for his old granny from new labour fans, where was the compassion for the 1000+victims of stafford hospital, the endless nhs cover ups, the 25000 per annum who died under their watch from undiagnosed blood clots, the mass spread of mrsa across the nhs, the spate of unofficial do not resuscitate decisions not discussed with families, the billions lost to the nhs from failure to claim back insurance"

Not forgetting; Where was the Liberal Left Wing outrage when the mob of moronic in-breeds violently disrupted Nigel Farage's 'quiet peaceful' Sunday Lunch? Where was the 'caring' for Farage and his terrified wife and children then?

The hypocrisy of the Left makes me puke.

Their unflinching denial of ESTABLISHED FACTS frightens me.

Chukka Obamamunna is an arrogant, overly ambitious, publicity loving, snake-oily egotist who is so far up his own anal orifice that he has to push his fingers up it to be able to chew nervously on his fingernails - something which he will be doing far more frequently now since he has been so rapidly deflated.

As leader, he would have been a liability for the Labour Party in the long run and they are better off without him.


That 'obamamunna' comment is actually kinda racist. :/

[MTVN]

Why? He has often been compared to Obama and has even tried to foster that comparison himself

[JoshBB]

I am from the left now, as you know.
I also condemned the harrasment of Farage and his family.regularly too, not just once.

Very sadly, Kirklancaster has chosen the path to condemn by generalising 'all' people from the left.
The problem is there are good and bad on the left and right, even centre,of politics.
None have the full hold on moral high ground.

I'm left-wing and I condemned the disruption of Nigel's family meal as well - it's disgusting that you cannot have a nice family outing without it being violently put to a halt. Nobody from any political ideology (except maybe Nazism) should have that brought upon them.

[bots]

Well it looks like no Sunday front page but the DM website has its main story about Chuka being a member of an exclusive London club where they eat £150 steaks and drink £4k cognac: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3084677/Exposed-Chuck-Chuka-s-shady-secret-Labour-MP-belongs-members-den-300-cognac-locker-bar-named-rattled-leadership-contender.html

haha its maybe not going to sit too well with the more left leaning side of the party, but that's why there is a vote :laugh: Not sure how that warrants harrasing family members though

I wonder how many other labour mp's are also members of that club :hehe:

[kirklancaster]

:clap1: What a great article to find MTVN. Lol.

The most revealing parts of the article for me, are those which illustrate just how readily snake-oily Obamamunna and his 'Socialist' 'spokesperson' are willing to lie in order to try to thwart the truth being revealed:

"A spokesman for Mr Umunna initially said that he had never heard of the club and insisted Chuka had never been, but when pressed later admitted that he is a regular but said he did not have an entry key."

"Umunna was more coy when I asked where he had bought his sharp suit, saying he had purchased it from ‘the sister of a Labour organiser’ in his Streatham constituency. When I eventually dragged the name out him – Alexandra Wood – it turned out to be a Savile Row tailor where suits start at £600."

And the above lies are in order to conceal the truth of relatively MINOR matters. God help us if this smug, oily, self-seeker HAD or DID become party leader then Prime Minister because he would make Blair look like 'Mr Integrity'.

No; this article is just one more nail in the coffin of the great 'Left' delusion, but one which the great 'Left' will refuse to acknowledge because they ARE delusional.

Cue:

1) "I bet Tory and Lib Dem MP's belong to similar clubs".
2) "He's as much rights as anybody to be a member of any club he wants to".
3) "Just because he's a member doesn't mean he goes there - Get some perspective."
4) "Nigel Farage was a city Banker. Dave Cameron is rich. Nick Clegg is rich....Zzzzzz.... :sleep::sleep:
5) "The DM is just a Tory rag that only publishes shet.

The GREATEST MYTH in UK politics is that THE LABOUR PARTY is THE PARTY of what playwright Robert Bolt calls; 'The Common Man'.

The TRUTH is that, progressively, the LABOUR PARTY has NOT represented the interests of ANYONE but their own MP's for almost 70 years.

Sometimes, a jockey who detests GREY horses and who does not SUPPORT that horses stable and connections, will elect to ride a grey horse if it gives him the BEST opportunity to win the race and PERSONALLY shine and raise his OWN 'Marquee Value'.

As a Tory MP, slick, rich, ambitious self-seeker Obamamunna would be eclipsed by slicker, richer, equally as ambitious self-seekers, hence his appeal among the Conservative electorate would be diluted.

But riding his 'Grey Horse' in the Labour Party's Socialist silks affords him the greatest opportunity to personally SHINE and realise his hidden personal ambitions, because the FAR LEFT electorate seem blinded by their own dogma and incapable of looking at 'the bleedin' obvious'.

It is a historical fact that in Politics certain of the most militant and vocal of 'Far Left Wing' activists are often driven by secret envy of the privileged lifestyles and wealth of the very class of society which they purport to be contemptuous of, but they realise that the SUREST most certain way to PERSONALLY ACHIEVE that same privilege and wealth is by becoming a Labour Politician and most vociferously railing against it.

Derek Hatton - From Militant, Marxist to Millionaire Capitalist Property Developer, Author :sleep:zzzz to name but one notable example.

It has been the same throughout Industry over the years when 'Trade Unionism' was at its most powerful, where it was often the case that the most militant of trade union shop stewards were the first to be eventually offered Management Positions by beleaguered bosses, and the first to ACCEPT such positions.

For other TRUE examples of this political 'penis envy', look no further than those traditional 'grass roots' Labour supporting 'working class heroes' who jumped ships in their tens of thousands to avail themselves of the chance to snap up their SOCIAL HOUSING at huge discounts and who bought up discounted shares in the recently PRIVATISED once NATIONALISED industries under their supposed 'arch enemy Maggie Thatcher, thereby stating most emphatically; "Feck YOU Jack I'M alright".

What of the Socialist ethos here? What of the 'Labour ideologies?

Perhaps equally as illustrative of the utter FALLACY of Left Wing politics, is the fact that these Council House buying occupiers, used the considerable CAPITAL which their discounts guaranteed them to pay for extensions, conservatories, expensive kitchens and bathrooms, fancy driveways and gateways, and to place 2 or more expensive cars on those gated driveways - in FACT ANYTHING which EMPHASISED their SUPERIORITY over the poorer of their neighbours who were NOT in a financial position to avail themselves of this 'Feck-You-Jack' give-away vote catcher and BUY their SOCIAL HOUSING.

Left Wing self-blindness is not just confined to snake-oily self-seekers purporting to be socialist, or grass roots socialist voters who are grass roots socialist voters solely because they cannot join the very class of society which they are railing against - it also in evidence when it comes to the VERY REAL, VERY PROBLEMATIC issues of Benefit Scroungers, Immigration, the NHS, and a host of other issues which are damaging this country and imperilling its future,

But those are another post.

The point is, if you want to see SOUR GRAPES driven false ideologies look no further than the Labour Party, its MP's and great wedges of its electorate.

Back to Bollock Chuka Obamamunna;

The 'Man Who Would Be King' has fallen from the rope bridge of opportunity which led across the gorge of impediment to personal ambition, and has - hopefully - been permanently 'Kiplinged'.

This post is purely my unqualified, uneducated, ill informed opinion. :laugh:

[kirklancaster]

That 'obamamunna' comment is actually kinda racist. :/

“Destiny guides our fortunes more favorably than we could have expected. Look there, Sancho Panza, my friend, and see those thirty or so wild giants, with whom I intend to do battle and kill each and all of them, so with their stolen booty we can begin to enrich ourselves. This is nobel, righteous warfare, for it is wonderfully useful to God to have such an evil race wiped from the face of the earth."

"What giants?" Asked Sancho Panza.

"The ones you can see over there," answered his master, "with the huge arms, some of which are very nearly two leagues long."

"Now look, your grace," said Sancho, "what you see over there aren't giants, but windmills, and what seems to be arms are just their sails, that go around in the wind and turn the millstone."

"Obviously," replied Don Quijote, "you don't know much about adventures.”
― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote.

You see 'Racist', 'Xenophobic', 'Right Wing Fascists' Don Josh BB - I see only the Windmills of Truth.

I have not got one Racist or Xenophobic bone in my body.

I am merely nothing more exotic than a REALIST.

So 'Tilt on' Josh.

[kirklancaster]

You did jump into this thread where I had just posted stating that I thought it was wrong that the press had targeted family members. Of course I'm going to respond to your sweeping outburst.

I respect you BitOnTheSlide, but here you are wrong:

If I had been referring to you or any of your posts in my post I would have quoted you and addressed you directly in that post. I was - as I made clear - adding an overlooked point to The Truth's post, which is why I quoted him.

You actually posted number 53 and my post was number 64 - some 11 posts AFTER your post, so I did NOT "jump into this thread" where you "had just posted". I fact, I did not even have your post in mind - only The Truth's valid post.

As for "sweeping outburst" - I think you are being overly dramatic because it was neither "sweeping" nor an "outburst".

No, I don't know why you addressed your response to me, but you are misguided.

[arista]

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/16/22/28C247C600000578-3084677-Suited_and_booted_Chuka_Umunna_attends_the_exclusi ve_M_Restauran-a-2_1431811232843.jpg
Get On Down you Closet Tory

[Crimson Dynamo]

what a surprise


the party is in freefall

[Crimson Dynamo]

Big Red Len is on the JP politics show at 10am on 5 live

Apparently he has some things to get off his chest

This could be good

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05vc9j1

[arista]

Big Red Len is on the JP politics show at 10am on 5 live

Apparently he has some things to get off his chest

This could be good

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05vc9j1


Yes Let it all out Len
in 30mins

[bots]

I respect you BitOnTheSlide, but here you are wrong:

If I had been referring to you or any of your posts in my post I would have quoted you and addressed you directly in that post. I was - as I made clear - adding an overlooked point to The Truth's post, which is why I quoted him.

You actually posted number 53 and my post was number 64 - some 11 posts AFTER your post, so I did NOT "jump into this thread" where you "had just posted". I fact, I did not even have your post in mind - only The Truth's valid post.

As for "sweeping outburst" - I think you are being overly dramatic because it was neither "sweeping" nor an "outburst".

No, I don't know why you addressed your response to me, but you are misguided.

I am entitled to my opinion, and your original post was a sweeping outburst as it was categorising a group of forum members under a general banner and criticising. If that's not a sweeping statement, I don't know what is.

Also, this is a forum, I am entitled to answer any post, particularly when it is in a thread I have been active in. You are all to quick to try and silence those who would disagree with you with a flippant, don't respond to my post statement. That is tantamount to trying to silence free speech

[Kizzy]

Is that the same club that the Camerons went to the night of the election?

The Conservative leader and his wife arrived at Mark’s Club, Charles Street, yesterday evening after Mr Cameron’s party secured an unexpected – if incredibly slim – majority.

The club is highly rated by respected Zagat restaurant guide, which notes members reportedly claim “if you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford to eat here”.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/david-cameron-enjoys-celebratory-postelection-meal-at-exclusive-mayfair-private-members-club-10238125.html

I wasn't his greatest fan yet it is odd that being in the Labour party should for some have an impact on your taste in food and clothes, I appreciate it was the subterfuge yet it's a shame he even felt he had to try to conceal these facts.
Does it naturally follow all Labour party members are for the 'common man' and are expected to wear borrowed suits and eat at Greggs ...whilst the Conservatives, the party by the same token for the elite are expected to wear the finest clothes and eat in exclusive restaurants?

His downfall was in my opinion due to his choice of advisors, Heseltine was in Thatchers inner circle... Why would anyone of that ilk be considered a potential choice for the Labour party in the modern day? It makes no sense.

[bots]

There are lots of exclusive venues in London, even looking at main stream venues like a Gordon Ramsey restaurant, you can pay thousands for a bottle of wine. What people object to is hypocrisy.

[joeysteele]

I was going to try to respond to the points here in the last few posts but decided what is the point.

Accusations of left wing blindness again come into play in a generalised sense, I see a fair bit of right wing blindness too which rarely gets a mention when there is an opportunity to get at those who are deemed 'left wing'.
I hate hypocrisy as much as anyone, however, I will wait to hear more on this, before I jump in and near hysterically condemn someone.
In fact in the same way I have done as to Conservative politicians from Andrew Mitchell to Nigel Evans over the years, despite being one of these left wing blind people.
Waiting to hear more as to their issues too as to the press and other problems.

Now we are off on council house sales, for goodness sake, many and probably most, bought those houses and stayed in them for the rest of their lives, it is the families often when the parents died,who made the big money out of selling them off later on.

To generalise that the norm was likely that people who bought them got expensive conservatories etc; (what a statement), the people who bought them so cheaply were employed people, why shouldn't they have conservatories and anything else that would add to the value of their newly bought home.

Really,I despair at the narrow mindedness of blaming everything and getting at only those on the left wing of politics.
While presenting the right wing as angels and saints.

How would it ever be possible to really reason with such prejudiced generalisations made against people with more left wing views from those on the right, coming at them with all the ills of the Nation and laying the blame for same at their door.

Both the politics of right and left have failed the UK for decades.
In fact over the last 115 years,through the 20th century and into the 21st century, we had over 60 years of Conservative led govts and around 35 years of Labour led govts
We are still in chaos and a mess, so who really is to blame for that.
Not one not the other but both.

Those who support one side or the other can be fair and accept both have failed a lot of the time,or, they can take out the rose coloured glasses and blame totally one or the other.
None of the latter is right and nothing of the latter warrants reasoned responses to such sweeping generalisations when made, which are then tried to back off from in some way as being said they were misunderstood.

That is like someone saying something really wrong about another person publicly, then apologising later, however the problem remains it was still said in the first place and is out there,a usually subtle move to deride one over another.

[kirklancaster]

I was going to try to respond to the points here in the last few posts but decided what is the point.

Accusations of left wing blindness again come into play in a generalised sense, I see a fair bit of right wing blindness too which rarely gets a mention when there is an opportunity to get at those who are deemed 'left wing'.
I hate hypocrisy as much as anyone, however, I will wait to hear more on this, before I jump in and near hysterically condemn someone.
In fact in the same way I have done as to Conservative politicians from Andrew Mitchell to Nigel Evans over the years, despite being one of these left wing blind people.
Waiting to hear more as to their issues too as to the press and other problems.

Now we are off on council house sales, for goodness sake, many and probably most, bought those houses and stayed in them for the rest of their lives, it is the families often when the parents died,who made the big money out of selling them off later on.

To generalise that the norm was likely that people who bought them got expensive conservatories etc; (what a statement), the people who bought them so cheaply were employed people, why shouldn't they have conservatories and anything else that would add to the value of their newly bought home.

Really,I despair at the narrow mindedness of blaming everything and getting at only those on the left wing of politics.
While presenting the right wing as angels and saints.

How would it ever be possible to really reason with such prejudiced generalisations made against people with more left wing views from those on the right, coming at them with all the ills of the Nation and laying the blame for same at their door.

Both the politics of right and left have failed the UK for decades.
In fact over the last 115 years,through the 20th century and into the 21st century, we had over 60 years of Conservative led govts and around 35 years of Labour led govts
We are still in chaos and a mess, so who really is to blame for that.
Not one not the other but both.

Those who support one side or the other can be fair and accept both have failed a lot of the time,or, they can take out the rose coloured glasses and blame totally one or the other.
None of the latter is right and nothing of the latter warrants reasoned responses to such sweeping generalisations when made, which are then tried to back off from in some way as being said they were misunderstood.

That is like someone saying something really wrong about another person publicly, then apologising later, however the problem remains it was still said in the first place and is out there,a usually subtle move to deride one over another.

You are not actually arguing with me Joey on most of your points, and I am certainly not arguing with you on most of them either, because I have stated MANY times on here that having supported the Labour Party AND the Conservatives in my time, I have become so disillusioned with both, that I am now supporting UKIP.

I have also stated numerous times that BOTH of the main two parties have NOT the interests of the General Public at heart - only their own.

I am merely stating my opinion of Obamamunna and just how his cynical socialist façade dovetails so neatly into what I now regard as Left Wing fallacy.

Whether those who bought their Maggie Thatcher Council Houses at huge discounts did so to make themselves PERSONALLY richer or to take advantage of getting their home at a bargain price, the fact remains that they did so in the FULL KNOWLEDGE that they were depriving the poor and most needy in society from being able to be housed in affordable housing - something which tax-payer built and subsidised SOCIAL HOUSING was NOT created for.

The above is TRUE and relevant.

As is those who bought discounted shares in the once Nationalised but recently PRIVATISED industries purely to make PROFIT in the best sense of good old greedy CAPITALISM.

I am sorry that we are so divided Joey, really.

[Kizzy]

I'm not sure why the us and them divide between those who bought their home and those that didn't.. My dad bought his and was a Labour man until the day he died, he didn't automatically buy into some conservative ideology when he became a homeowner.
I wouldn't think that anyone making the purchases envisaged that there would be the shortage in social housing that there is today, or their decision was in any way mercenary.

I wouldn't decry anyone who buys shares in companies either, nobody is suggesting that all aspects of capitalism are bad. Where it sours is when massive profits are not used to maintain adequate levels of safety, employee wages and customer satisfaction.
I don't think the nationalised companies should have been sold but they were, there was no referendum held on that it was a forgone conclusion that once the government decided it was happening it was going ahead regardless. The fact that royal mail staff were bunged a few shares as a sweetener before they received their redundancy is irrelevant, it does not reflect anything on their principles at all.

[bots]

I'm not sure why the us and them divide between those who bought their home and those that didn't.. My dad bought his and was a Labour man until the day he died, he didn't automatically buy into some conservative ideology when he became a homeowner.
I wouldn't think that anyone making the purchases envisaged that there would be the shortage in social housing that there is today, or their decision was in any way mercenary.

I wouldn't decry anyone who buys shares in companies either, nobody is suggesting that all aspects of capitalism are bad. Where it sours is when massive profits are not used to maintain adequate levels of safety, employee wages and customer satisfaction.
I don't think the nationalised companies should have been sold but they were, there was no referendum held on that it was a forgone conclusion that once the government decided it was happening it was going ahead regardless. The fact that royal mail staff were bunged a few shares as a sweetener before they received their redundancy is irrelevant, it does not reflect anything on their principles at all.

Being an old fart certainly has its advantages sometimes :laugh:

I completely agree with the point I highlighted. At the time, the home ownership was championed for people who care for their community, take pride in something that they own and therefore look after it better. No one even considered the effect it would have on housing stock, because at that time, there were not the housing challenges that we face today. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

[Kizzy]

He took just as much pride in it when he was a tenant, he wished to put a porch on it but they wouldn't allow it unless he owned the property, so he bought it.

It was though you're right to reduce the cost of maintenance, as many of the post war prefabricated homes are so shoddy that now they are costing more to maintain them than they're worth, maggie knew this which is why she chose to offload them.