| Topic: | The Forthcoming Putney By Election | |
| Posted by: | David Parker | |
| Date/Time: | 25/06/18 13:45:00 |
I think we can now assume that Justine Greening will be the Tory's candidate for Mayor. They don't really have a credible alternative and she might make it a less uneven contest than it might otherwise have been. Protocol would allow for her to remain as Putney's MP during the contest and as, she is likely to lose this, in normal circumstances this would be sensible. However, these are strange times and thinking it through she might consider the option of stepping down as MP. This would have a number of advantages for her. Firstly the 'burning boats' strategy would demonstrate her commitment to the job and attract support. Secondly, it would unshackle her from a Putney seat that looks highly vulnerable as the full implications of Brexit unfolds. There is likely to be a hard fought battle for the Conservative leadership next time around and if a relatively sensible person rather than a Brexit ultra is in charge she would be back in the cabinet/shadow cabinet. So if she stands down then waits for a seat with a more comfortable majority to become available she will be much better placed to take advantage of the fall out. If she did stand down I wouldn't be pleased because I think she is a good MP but I think ultimately she has a bigger role to play in the nation's affairs and this might be the way to go about it. |