Manchester Diary: Ed refuses to let squaddies choose their sergeant
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Shooing Rosie Winterton into the post of Chief Whip by persuading every other candidate to stand aside was Ed Miliband's neat way of spiking the stupid practice of holding an election for this post.
Letting MPs elect their Chief Whip is like inviting the squaddies to choose their sergeant major. The Conservatives would never be so foolish, but Labour did in the 1980s and 1990s, causing all kinds of problems for succeeding party leaders.
When Neil Kinnock was elected party leader in 1983, he inherited a Chief Whip in Michael Cocks, who owed his position to Jim Callaghan and behaved as if he thought Kinnock was an annoying young upstart. After attempts to unseat him Cocks gave up in 1985, but refused to vacate the Chief Whip's office until he had been found another of suitable size.
When Tony Blair became leader, he tried appointing six junior whips, all Blairities. The elected whips refused to work with him. A deal with Derek Foster to resolve the issue turned sour and he became the first MP to refuse to serve in the Blair government.
Quote of the day
"I think it's better to do it in person, really. I don't think it would exactly bring out my romantic side to propose on Daybreak, but thanks for the offer anyway"
Ed Miliband turns down the kind suggestion that he propose to his partner Justine Thornton live on breakfast television
Kinnock's rallying cry
Neil and Glenys Kinnock have been looking very chuffed about the success of their friend and neighbour, Ed Miliband. Lord Kinnock was moved to tears by the speech of the leader of the Danish Social Democrats, Helle Thorning-Schmidt – who happens to be married to their son, Stephen.
What's she doing there?
Staff at Pizza Express could not help but notice how the same smartly- dressed woman turned up on three successive evenings to order a fiorentina. Hatty: in the words of the new leader, this is the generation which thirsts for change!
Win for Abbott?
Candidates with "W" surnames fared badly in the elections for Labour's national executive. Those whose names begin with "A" did much better. Top of the list of 49 candidates for the shadow Cabinet is Diane Abbott – but, no, she still won't get in.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments