Glasgow hustings - some brief thoughts

Just back from the Glasgow leadership hustings and it does make a refreshing change as a Labour Party member to be involved in an election.

The speeches from the three leadership candidates were decent enough whatever you think about their respective policy differences. If their was one clear message coming from all three candidates it was that change is on the agenda. Change towards centre-left social democracy , or even centrist social democracy, would be nice after New Labour , but we shall see.

The deputy candidate speeches were more the type of thing that can inspire and galvanise a political party. Both Bill Butler and Johann Lamont seemed more relaxed and in their element. They also both talked about the importance of the Deputy Leader both looking at how policy is formed and making sure the voice of ordinary party members is heard by the leadership.

If I had to make a judgement about performance I'd say Jamieson just edged Kerr with Gray a fair bit behind, and a score draw going into extra time between Butler and Lamont, with Butler winning on penalties. I am of course biased.