WILL LABOUR CAMPAIGN FOR DAVIS?

I heard yesterday on the grapevine that Bob Marshall-Andrews and Tony Benn may campaign for David Davis. Today, Marshall-Andrews is quoted as endorsing Davis as a candidate in the absence of a Labour opponent of 42 days. Apparently, the Labour Party rules do NOT stop members campaigning for anyone in the absence of a Labour candidate. Strange but true.,

The irony is, of course, that only a year ago Marshall-Andrews broke ranks with the Campaign Group to nominate Gordon Brown for Leader. A decision, so it seems, he has since deeply regretted. The notion that both he and Benn, the hero of the left might campaign for a Tory probably is anathema to many - it's certainly unique in my lifetime. Back in 1975, Tony Benn shared platforms with Conservatives during the referendum camoaign around the Common Market. This is a different issue entirely. But as TB has said hundreds of times over the years, it's about policies not personalities. This is a policy which Gordon Brown should never have used as a macho show of strength. And a mess entirely of his own making.

SO FAREWELL THEN BOB

Maverick MP Bob Marshall-Andrews has announced he is standing down. At one time, this might have saddened me slightly as I rather like eccentric characters and he was one of the most odd of the oddballs. This is the man who blamed Blair for his defeat and then went on to win (just) his Medway seat. A great moment of the 2005 election. Sadly, this "left-winger" has recently been all over the place and nominated Gordon Brown as Leader. Which hacked off plenty of his comrades.....