I thought I was dreaming when I heard Diane Abbott declaring for the Labour leadership this morning. The move was unexpected, though welcome, as it widens the field. And it is indeed good to have a woman on the ballot paper.
However, it is less clear whether her candidacy — which is not likely to fly — will ultimately help the cause of women in politics. Abbott is not highly valued in the Labour Party.
Here is my quote for the day, from the excellent new Labour Uncut website:
It is a shame . . . that MPs will be forced to choose between having a woman in the election, which most would like to see, and having Diane Abbott in the election, which most do not want to see.
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