And then there were three…
Carwyn Jones
So, Carwyn Jones has formally launched his election campaign to become Welsh Labour leader, completing a commendable job in eking out the announcement for maximum exposure. Speaking from his Bridgend constituency he stressed the value of the hard work of his local Labour Party in bringing Bridgend Council back to Labour in 2008 – the only local authority gained by the party in that election.
His oration to a busy room at Ogmore Labour Club stressed his vision for the party and the country: “Wales is an old country, but a young democracy. I was proud to campaign for devolution in the referendum in 1997. I want my country to succeed. I want to make a difference to the lives of people in Wales. I want Wales to win in the world. I am proud to be Welsh, proud to be British, and of course, proud to be Labour. But I want to be a Leader for the whole of Wales.”
During the launch, he also indicated he was not going to announce all of his supporters today – a clear “drip drip” strategy setting him apart from his rivals – but both Alun Davies AM (Mid & West Wales) and John Griffiths AM (Newport East) were at the launch and have endorsed his candidacy. This brings his total number of AM supporters to seven and, as per the maths in our post earlier today, delivers another 1.2% of the electoral college to him.
So now there are two sets of three worth noting – three candidates and three AMs who have yet to declare. Have Cabinet members Brian Gibbons AM (Aberavon), Carl Sargeant AM (Alyn and Deeside) and Jane Hutt AM (Vale of Glamorgan) made up their minds? More from them later this week, I think…
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Now that the race is on, perhaps we can get around to the battle of ideas, leadership, vision and values. Wales Labour has a brilliant opportunity to re-invigorate its supporters at a time when morale isn’t, lets be fair, at its peak. I hope that the candidates recognise though that its not just about winning card carrying members but a wider, savvier, more astute and rightly demanding electorate that need convincing. Here’s to a positive, agenda setting debate…..