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

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Cant see this happening

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:

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

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

He's qt :thirsty:

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

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.

Takes offence at the "lawyer" comment...

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)

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)

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)

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

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.

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

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