So, the Labour Leadership contest is in full swing, with the candidates rushing around the country speaking at everything from public debates and think tanks to the opening of an envelope.
At a mere 17 miles from Westminster, you would think that the would-be Leaders of the Opposition would be keen to show their faces in Epsom and Ewell as a quick round trip. Sure enough, the Chair of the local Labour Party sent a letter to all members last month with the exciting news that David Miliband would be gracing Bourne Hall with his presence on Thursday 1 July. The other candidates were as yet unconfirmed, but would no doubt fall into line to avoid D-Mili hogging the limelight. In even more exciting news, this was to be the only event in Surrey during the entire campaign!
Sadly, all has not worked out well. An update e-mail went out today informing Members that the main Mili-man would not be able to make it down to the event, but was instead sending the smooth-talking doyenne of TV political chat Ben Bradshaw in his place. The other candidates are still unconfirmed.
But why wouldn't people go anyway, after all - "with no World Cup football on TV, there's no excuse!". No excuse indeed, but seemingly little point either. It seems that the Labour heavyweights are loathe to put themselves out even a few miles to speak in areas where their vote isn't high. A pity.
UPDATE:
In other news, rumours are circulating that local press are not being allowed to cover the event tomorrow night, in whatever form it takes. What have they got to say that's so secret?!
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