The Staggers

The New Statesman’s rolling politics blog

Jon Cruddas rules himself out of leadership race

The question now is which candidate the influential backbencher will endorse.

By Samira Shackle Published 18 May 2010 10:03

Jon Cruddas has ruled himself out of the Labour leadership contest.

Writing in the Guardian, he said he was humbled by the support shown for his bid, but that he did not feel he was suited to the role. He said:

Hand on heart, I do not want to be leader of the Labour Party or subsequently prime minister. These require certain qualities I do not possess.

The role of leader is one of the greatest honours imaginable -- but it is not a bauble to aspire for. It is a duty to fulfil. I do not feel that I am in a position to deliver on the hopes and expectations that will be placed in the next leader.

Despite an initial close involvement in the New Labour project, Cruddas has long been an independent-minded politican, turning down ministerial job offers in 2008 to remain on the back benches.

The question now is which of the candidates Cruddas will endorse, as the influential backbench MP is likely to bring with him the support of many of the trade unions.

The first thing to note is that his withdrawal from the race appears to be good news for Ed Miliband. Cruddas is popular with the left wing of the party, and there was a risk that his candidacy would have split the constituency to which Ed appeals.

However, it has also been suggested that Cruddas may swing behind David Miliband in a so-called "dream ticket" that would appease those on the left of the party still suspicious of Miliband's Blairite credentials.

He is not expected to rush to make a decision.

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Tags: Labour leadership

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8 comments

Tue, 2010-05-18 21:26 — clem the gem (not verified)

Am sorry to Cruddas not standing, for the same reasons as those given above by jesusjohn and Harry Barnes.
All those in the Labour party, includiong those of us who have joined recently, need a voice in this election. As a grassroots candidate, Cruddas seemed to be the key.
I dont think anyone would expect him to win, but compared with the other choices on offer, how would we make our voice heard.
Ed Milliband seems a serious contender, Ed Balls - unfortunately named, and not over fond of calm discussion, or so it seems.
It is clear that the "Modernising" gang have plumped for David M.
As to abstaining - sorry Harry but you are totally wrong. We would be seen as no better than a bunch of Socialist Worker sellers, shouting abstractions while all around us others campaign effectively for what they want.

Tue, 2010-05-18 10:13 — jesusjohn (not verified)

'Cruddas is popular with the left of the party, and there was a risk that his candidacy would have split the left-vote to which Ed appeals.'

On the contrary, as the vote is carried out on a preferential basis, Cruddas's no-show may damage the Ed Miliband run as he won't get Crudass's second preferences. Those on the left of the party without a credible 'send-a-message' candidate may not bother voting at all.

Tue, 2010-05-18 10:35 — jeremiah

Finally an honest politician.

His statement about not having the qualities for Leader should be respected and praised as an honest personal appraisal.

Tue, 2010-05-18 10:43 — yollande (not verified)

Jesusjohn – it hardly seems likely that party members (by definition pretty politically active) would abstain from voting in the party’s first leadership contest in 13 years

Tue, 2010-05-18 11:02 — thinkov

so what's this john mc donnell all about then?

Any Good?

Tue, 2010-05-18 11:32 — Yeti (not verified)

He's bottled it.

Tue, 2010-05-18 14:52 — ROBERT TAGGART (not verified)

Just the Crumbs for Cruds' then ? !

Tue, 2010-05-18 18:19 — Robert Mrazek

As the NEC has now officially started the contestr, there is an urgent need for those MPs who see themselves as democratic socialists (of whatever hue) to get together at a meeting in the Commons to agree on a candidate for the leadership election. It is the main way that a candidate can be found in the time available who just might be able cobble together the necessary 33 nominees. Otherwise we are in danger of having a series of hustings in which the candidates all share similar limited horizons and we finish up with a series of non-debates where we are expected judge who is likely to be the best celebrity. It is only if we can have serious discussions about values, ideas and programmes that those exercising votes will benefit. I don't for a minute believe that a democratic socialist can win such a contest. But their voice should be heard. Otherwise, the best that some of us will be able to do is to organise a campaign for absentions - explaining why we are doing this.