It seemed strange that the PLP hustings should be set so late in the nominations process, with so many nominating so far in advance of this event.
I felt that the bar for nominations was set too high, a view I know was held by very many local party members. As someone with strong roots in the women’s movement the shortage of potential women candidates was worrying. I came to the view that the best contribution I could make was to try to ensure that as many names went forward as possible. I feared earlier this week that a nomination for Diane Abbott would turn out to be ‘wasted’ when she was so far off being nominated. However on learning this morning that Andy Burnham was ‘through’ and John McDonnell had withdrawn I was happy to nominate Diane. As everyone has stressed, that does not necessarily mean I will vote for her at the end of the day. But at least we have a better range of candidates which is crucial to engaging not just members but supporters in the discussion we need to have on future policy direction.