Labour will elect a new leader in September, and are set for a summer debating the future direction of the party after May’s comprehensive general election defeat. There are four candidateson the ballot: Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper, Jeremy Corbyn and Liz Kendall. Labour party members, registered supporters and affiliated supporters all have a chance to vote, provided they have joined before midday on the 12 August.
Some Labour supporters fear the extended leadership contest will damage the party, allowing the Conservatives to set the political and economic agenda and paint Labour into a corner as many feel they were able during Labour’s 2010 leadership election. Others may be of the view that the summer is an opportunity to debate the party’s core values and set out contrasting visions for its future. Certainly Jeremy Corbyn’s appearance on the ballot has already shaken things up, with his odds on winning shortening dramatically and the other three candidates battling to occupy the centre ground.
Meanwhile, former home secretary David Blunkett has said the party is in “emotional trauma” after the loss in May, and warned those tempted by Corbyn that his potential leadership is “the course of opposition”.
To contribute to the debate, we’re opening this up to you. Whichever candidate you’re backing, we want to hear your reasoning. Who is most likely to lead the party to success, and which potential leader most tallies with your own values and priorities?
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