Mehdi Hasan

Mehdi Hasan’s polemical take on politics, economics and foreign affairs

Where is Alistair Darling?

Labour has missed a trick in not deploying the Chancellor at the forefront of its election campaign.

By Mehdi Hasan Published 04 May 2010 10:06

In my view, he's been MIA over the course of this campaign. OKy, he's delivered a speech or two, garnering some headlines. But shouldn't he have been at every Labour press conference, sitting beside Peter Mandelson, exuding calm and confidence? Defending and promoting Labour's record on the economy and reminding voters of the importance of judgement?

ComRes polls show Darling is more respected and trusted on economic issues than his Tory shadow, George Osborne. And a Financial Times survey of City types revealed that they agree with the general public, and prefer Darling to Osborne. It's no wonder he's been touted in the newspapers as Labour's next (caretaker) leader.

Darling could have been a vote-winner for Labour in this volatile campaign. It was a mistake to hold him back.

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Tags: Election 2010

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6 comments

Tue, 2010-05-04 19:22 — Simon (not verified)

I could not aggree with you more the only reason I am voting labour is because I compared Darling to Osborne...If I had a job and the two came for an interview... I know who I will be giving the job to.

Tue, 2010-05-04 17:56 — claret rick (not verified)

Absolutely. Darling has proved he is an excellent chancellor - sound judgement, pragmatic, focused on old fashioned keynesian economics with a good focus on whats good for ordinary people - just the job for the next few years. Labour have missed a trick. Oh what about a Clegg (pm)- Darling (CE) combo ??

Wed, 2010-05-05 13:44 — Reginald-Fah-fah

Mr Darling is the only one in the Labour camp I trust!

We all heard what happened to him over the recovery!

Britain likes Mr Darling!

Tue, 2010-05-04 10:23 — glassfet (not verified)

Where is Darling? Losing his seat.

Tue, 2010-05-04 11:20 — Sue Davies (not verified)

I have been totally bemused by Labour's campaign.... It is almost as if Gordon Brown has been set up to fail !!.... I wonder who has been managing the campaign???... Can Mandelson, the architect of new labour's election machine, have got it so wrong?.... I think the gossip is on target... this is all about installing David Milliband and sod the people and sod the LP...typical cynical behaviour of nuLabour!

Tue, 2010-05-04 12:18 — John1111111111222222227

Ver true! Darling is actually one of Labour's best assets. I think he'd make a much better leader than the very overated Ed Balls and David Miliband. Unlike most members of the Cabinet, he doesn't have a rock solid seat, so he's probably spent all his time in his constituency.