Labour nationally is now going through a process of renewal and change to a new generation of leadership. We in London need to do the same and choose a mayoral candidate for 2012 who reflects the modern 21st century London. London is a dynamic vibrant melting pot of different cultures. We need new leadership which reflects that dynamism and vitality. We need a modern articulate 21st century leadership voice to speak out for the women and men of all faiths, colours and backgrounds who make up the population of our great global city. We need a mayor who is able to work to unite inner and outer London.
Although the ConDem government may be very unpopular in 2012 we cannot take victory in two years’ time for granted because of the vagaries of a personalised campaign. If we hark back to old debates and divisions we could lose. If Labour looks to the future it can win. In my opinion Oona King brings the combination of enthusiasm and dynamism and experience that we will need to defeat the Tory incumbent and win back London for Labour.
I especially like Oona’s policy to make Londoners feel “less stressed out”. More dynamism like this please.
This writer wants nothing more than for Ken Livingstone to win the Mayoral election, but….See KEN LIVINGSTONE FOR MAYOR by Jeremy Smyles
I supported Ken in his first two terms, but now I support Oona, and recently saw her and Ken at the Haringey and Edmonton hustings. Ken was better at presentation and rhetoric. Oona was unpolished and at times unclear; and if she is nominated will need to develop a sound, clear and attractive policy agenda for London. Ken would clearly take us back to a 1980s oppose the cuts agenda with not much else. Ken lost against Boris when he also lost the votes of young people last time. We need a credible progressive candidate who can win and pave the way for a Labour victory in 2014/15. Unfortunately, at our recent GC meeting I was the only person prepared to speak in favour of Oona, but when the votes were cast she had five votes to Ken’s 15. Ken clearly has most of the party support at the moment, however, we need to remember it is not Labour supporters alone that will determine who wins the next Mayoral election. Our candidate needs to appeal to floating voters and new voters too!