Metropol

I'd like Diane Abbott to win.

So would I.

So, Ed Miliband squeezes through on the union vote, Ladbrokes lengthens the odds of a Labour win at the next election.

As I've just said elsewhere, I think they've managed to choose a leader to keep them out of office for at least ten years. They've just elected a slightly better dressed version of Michael Foot. A bit too far to the left for the electorate to take to. He'll have a damned hard job to get the 'New Labour' crowd on board.

Given that he was effectively rejected by the MPs/MEPs and ordinary paying members - all of whom much preferred his brother - but backed by the Unions, to whom he now owes a debt, his win was so narrow that its entirely possible that people (in unions) who DON'T vote Labour voted for him in sufficient numbers to get him over the line.

The Liberal-Conservative Government will have a field-day with this, and who can blame them?

Very disappointing as I had voted for David Miliband.

However it's worth pointing out that both candidates would have given the coalition some ammunition - David classed as Blairite and simply a rehashed version of New Labour. Ed is certainly left leaning especially when you compare him with his brother - however he has less baggage from being in government after the Iraq war and allows some dividing lines with the Tories as he's certainly no David Cameron.

But whether he will survive the tough time he's bound to get from David Miliband supporting MPs remains to be seen. Tony Blair enjoyed a majority of support so he had an easier time. However, Ed may face a similar problem to Gordon Brown with the threat of a coup always looming - it's easier to do it when in opposition especially if you think it might make you more electable. However, I don't think they'll hit the self destruct button straight away - the make up of the shadow cabinet could well make a difference.

As much as I'm disappointed that it isn't David, I can't help but feel he missed the boat by not challenging Gordon Brown for the leadership in 2007 as he was urged to do so. I can understand why he didn't but it would have undoubtedly been his best chance compared to this close contest.

We shall see.

I would have liked Yvette Cooper to throw her name into the hat.
However i prefer Ed over David as Ed's hair is less legoman style.

I note that a few people are starting to mention the 'William Hague effect'. Too young and too early. Hadn't thought of that previously, but the similarities are there.

Can't really see Ed taking the party anywhere. He just doesn't have the personality to connect with the public, and he doesn't come across well. Utterly humourless, and says what he thinks people want to hear in an unconvincing way.

I think Andy Burnham was the only candidate with any potential.

Coil a phrase from my mum, "There both shite" she core labour voter..... I have no idea if labour can win the next election. saying that alot of old labour voters may come flooding back to get rid of this collation,

So I note the pundits have collectively said (at separate times) that the coalition parties will be out of power for a generation after this parliament, and now that Labour will be out of power for 10 years.

Anyone fancy running the country after this parliament?