There is somenthing of a military air about LibDem leadership hopeful Ming Campbell. Some call say there’s something of the squaddie in him, some say is the uprightness of an SS Commander, a la Michael Caine in “The Eagle has Landed” (1976). Nevertheless, with Ming’s helmet firmly in the ring, other contenders are assessing their positions.
Mark “hamster” Oaten has decided not to be intimidated by Campbell’s early lead or the fact that he is behind Simon Hughes in the polls, even though Simon hasn’t yet said he is standing.
All in all, the Liberal leadership race looks like a carbon copy of the Tory race. Ming is the Davis-like toughie in the lead. Hughes is the Ken Clarke leftie equivalent. Hamster Oaten is the Fox-like right winger and all they need now is a Cameron-figure to dispel the old paradigms and cut through the middle on a wave of hope.
I think I have found that figure in the shape of John Hemming MP. The website http://www.hemmingsway.blogspot.com/ is promoting Hemming’s candidacy in the face of a media blackout. The Tory-supporting media is scared that a man of Hemming’s charisma will put Cameron to shade and abruptly halt the Tory resurgence.
John Hemming told your intrepid commentator, “I am pleased to have the Monkey’s support for my leadership bid. I know I will do well with that backing”.
Someone called Chris Who? is also standing.
recessmonkey@gmail.com
editor[at]recessmonkey.com
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I feel that Hemming made a tactical mistake today by not getting Tony Blair’s endorsement. This will surely be a handicap that will dog him throughout the campaign?
James Graham said this on January 11th, 2006 at 6:29 pm
“Ming’s helmet firmly in the ring” Poor choice of words.
J said this on January 11th, 2006 at 6:55 pm
I think the Chris Who is probably your Cameron like figure…
Standing might also do his majority of 100 some good…
PBS2 said this on January 11th, 2006 at 7:21 pm
Excellent news! Welcome aboard!
John Hemming For Leader said this on January 11th, 2006 at 8:56 pm
I thought it was a rather careful choice of words actually.
Recess Monkey
Recess Monkey said this on January 11th, 2006 at 9:53 pm
Not quite a media blackout… the good ol’ Grauniad had Hemming in the diary today…
Richard said this on January 11th, 2006 at 11:41 pm
Remember that the Hack was the first to back Hemming for Leader, as do all right-thinking people of Birmingham (chiefly because it would make him go away). If the mainstream media choose to ignore us, the blogosphere can make Hemming our man for the job.
Vote early, vote often - vote Hemming
PoliticalHack said this on January 12th, 2006 at 2:22 am