Anthony Barnett (London,OK):We were confidently told by Steve Richards on last night's Newsnight that David Miliband is "100 per cent" preparing to stand when there is a leadership contest - but that he will not plunge in the knife.
Perhaps another David is not to your taste. Or perhaps he does not represent the change you want to see. The prospect of three heirs to Blair fighting it out when the many countries of Britain want change is not immediately attractive. Or perhaps he is is your man but you also want some added spice at the top of his team. Over an early breakfast I wondered who would I like to see win the Labour leadership contest who would arguably be so fresh yet experienced he or she could well storm to power?
It must be an MP according to Labour's rules. This limits your choice. But there is always the Lords. Let's be imaginative. By announcing who their leader in the Lords would be, a kind of 'running mate' could be created by the contender, not the formal deputy, who is currently Harriet Harman but an enhanced partner. As the Prime Minister could appoint this person to the Lords, he or she does NOT need to be a peer already. However, my ideal ticket is Bob Marshall Andrews for Prime Minister and Helena Kennedy to lead in the second chamber. Of course, I know that Marshall Andrews would "never" get the votes of the unions or the Blairite MPs. that is not the point of this competition. He and Helena would wipe the floor with David Cameron and George Osborne. Who would be on your ticket?
