Michael Meacher - Labour's Future

The office has been inundated with messages of support and requests to speak at meetings since announcing that I was standing. I thought the easiest thing was to post a selection of them here.

I was so pleased when I saw on the news you are running for the Labour Leadership. I sincerely hope you are successful. As a Labour supporter for 35 years I have been completely disillusioned over the past 10 years to a point where I had decided never to vote Labour again with the possibility of voting Tory just to get Tony Blair and Gordon Brown out. Never thought I would say that! If you win I will certainly vote Labour once again.

Good Luck!
Robert Smart, Ilford South CLP

I welcome your statement that you intend to stand for the leadership of the party. It will generate a democratic debate about the future direction of the party, something I believe that Members of the party will welcome. I wish you well in your campaign and hope that you may find the time to speak at one of our party meetings in the near future.

Councillor Bill Horslen, Labour Group, Chelmsford Borough Council

I admire the principled stand Michael Meacher has taken on a wide range of issues, especially those which affect our quality of life and moral standing in the world. He has been an outstanding advocate of enlightened environmental policies and the rejection of nuclear weapons. He reflects a powerful body of Labour thinking. Just as importantly, he has shown an active commitment to policy development and consultation within the Party. There are many in the Labour Party looking for leadership qualities which Michael can bring.

David Slinger, Forest of Dean CLP

I am delighted to endorse Michael Meacher as a candidate for the party leader's post. I have no doubt that his constructive and honest approach will be of benefit not only to the policy development process but to the credibility of the election process in both the eyes of party members and the wider electorate.

George McManus, NPF Rep Yorkshire & The Humber, Chair East Riding of Yorkshire Labour Party

I will be supporting Michael Meacher because this is the leadership election where climate change comes first. As Environment Minister, Michael set the standard on this issue. If we want to expose David Cameron as vacuous we need a leader with the experience and passion to deliver radical change. There is no one better at this task than Michael Meacher.

Daniel Blaney, South Basildon & East Thurrock CLP, Treasurer, Labour CND

I would like to commend Michael Meacher as a candidate for the leadership of the Labour Party. I have had many dealings with Michael on various issues, he has been helpful and honest. We very much need to return to our socialist values, many of which have been pushed aside in trying to reform our services and modernise our society. I believe he will look after the hard-working middle class voter who has been ignored so much by this Government and who were always the core of Labour support. Maybe this would again allow our membership to recover.
DB Bracknell CLP

I was delighted to hear today that you are going to stand for the > leadership of the Labour Party. Could we possibly persuade you to come and speak to our local Fabian Society?
Liz Vincent, Bath CLP

I put off joining the Labour Party due to the Iraq War and arguments for renewal of Trident pushed me further away. A candidacy from Michael Meacher for the leader of the Labour Party is an ideal way of getting these issues debated in the public domain. I feel it is important that there is no automaticity in the selection of Gordon Brown as the next leader of the Labour Party. The decision by Michael Meacher to stand has led me to join the Labour Party and cast my vote in this vital leadership battle.

Phil Honour, London

I have been a Labour supporter since 15 years old. I would not want Gordon Brown as leader now if he was the last man standing.... Thank you so much for standing up for the leadership.

Lynn Grounds, Hitchin, Herts

I am so pleased that you have decided to be a candidate for the leadership election. I have not been so excited for a long time! Absolutely right that you have so that an alternative to 'New Labour' is heard and right that democracy is enacted. I am particularly pleased that you are calling for independence from America.

With best wishes and lots of support for the coming contest

Lindis Percy
CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICAN BASES
www.caab.org.uk

Good luck in your challenge to Gordon Brown. I have become so upset with so many New Labour faces and their behaviour (especially regarding Iraq and their unquestioning loyalty to Tony Blair who I consider quite mad!).

But I would vote for you in heartbeat! Your stand over Blair's totally insane foreign policy is to be commended and never forgotten...

Very good luck Sir!

Chris Kyle, Brighton

I was amazed but absolutely delighted when I read this morning that you were going to stand for the Labour Leadership. I admire you greatly for having the courage to stand up and challenge the status quo in British politics. It was quite shocking to see the Blair Broadcasting Corporations' attempt to de-rail his efforts before he even got started! I suppose the good news is that if they’re trying to discredit Michael, he must be a threat... I hope that enough MP's have the sense to turn to you and to recognise that there is a great need for a change in direction, which you clearly represent. Good man.

Tony Roberts, Poole, Dorset

After following your progress over the years I am delighted that you have decided to stand in the leadership election. I shed tears of joy when Labour was returned to power ten years ago but have gradually lost my faith in the party. I was weaned on Nye Bevan, Michael Foot and true Socialists but left the Party when I thought that Neil Kinnock was taking our Party too far to the right (that was a laugh wasn't it?)

I wish you all of the best in your endeavours and will myself continue to spread support for your the Gospel of your crusade in any way that I can.

Geoffrey Marple, Wolverhampton

Was delighted that you will be taking on Mr Brown for the Labour Party Leadership. It would have been tragic for any one candidate just to slip into the top job with a bit of forelock tugging and a nod and a wink! Great that all Labour Party members will now have a say!

Best news of the year so far...

John France

I am very pleased you have decided to stand for the Labour Leadership. I truly believe the people of the UK do not want Gordon Brown to be the next Prime Minister, and wish you well.

Susan Lange

Good on you! I suspect you'll be in line for some pretty heavy fire from certain quarters, but I guess you're used to that. There are plenty of people outside Westminster who have long been thinking what you've now had the gumption to say. All the very best for the coming months.

Steve Roberts-Mee

Pleased that someone has the balls to raise his head above the parapet. Mixed metaphors I know. But I need GB to be challenged. He is saying nothing. You argue well and you could show well in a good race. I wish you all success.

Neil Woodcock

I have just heard the news on BBC Radio 4 that you will stand for the leadership of the Labour Party. This is most wonderful news! You are exactly the man this country needs to take us forwards on climate change, GM foods, Iraq... No one else could do that difficult job better than you, and I whole-heartedly wish you success!

Eva Novotny