The phone doesn’t stop ringing at the moment.

At our campaign meeting in Haringey yesterday morning I was able to speak to about 25 key members of our local team. I had sent a position statement out by email on the Friday night so that everyone would know why I had done what I had done – but this was an opportunity to get feedback and to give time to those key local members to ask me questions.

From the time I got home at lunchtime to midnight – the phone rang off the hook. I did some phoning myself to find out what the situation was. Ming, Simon’s camp and Mark phoned me – as did the media. And my answer at this point is the same to all: ‘Boys – my vote’s up for grabs – show me what you’ve got.’

My interests are in seeing how the candidates (and of course as I write there is still only Ming – but by the end of today I very much hope we have a contested election) will answer my key questions:

– how will you progress electorally in both Labour and Tory seats?
– what do you propose to do about the organisation of the party machine?
– what is your view on coalition?
– what will you do to demonstrate your commitment to equalities in terms of your own advisers, cabinet and candidates?
– what will distinguish you from Blair, Cameron and Brown?
– what part did you play in the briefings and so called plot to oust Kennedy and what did you do in the five years previous to that about the problems of his alcoholism that we now all are aware of?
– where do you intend to take the party in terms of what the media call left and right?

That’s my current check list – let’s see what the contenders – when they declare themselves – come back with!

PS Just had a phone call saying that I am listed as a Ming supporter in the Independent. Not true – yet. It may be if Ming answers the questions I have tabled above to my satisfaction. But the Independent has slipped up or someone is jumping the gun.