You can forget Alan Johnson the Education Secretary and Peter Hain, the Northern Ireland Secretary. Hilary Benn might be considered as “leading the race” for deputy by a wide margin and  Harriet Harman,  the Constitutional Affairs Minister described as “Gordon Brown's feminine conscience, on a crusade for women” because when it comes to overall suitability for the position of Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Hazel Blears walks it by a mile.

Miss Blears is a feisty woman who has never lost touch with her roots, “traditional working class” as she would describe them.  She had achieved the lofty position of Minister of the Crown (and now Labour Party Chairman) through her own efforts alone without benefit of privilege or favour.  What you see is what you get, a plain speaking Mancunian.  She is popular with the grass roots membership of her party and rightly so – she is one of the people.  Her effervescent optimism, ability to defend with full conviction an impossible position and infectious enthusiasm prove her to be a very capable individual as well as an endearing personality.

In the difficult times ahead for the Labour Party, Hazel Blear’s presence near the helm is in prudence, something it cannot forego.

Hazel for Deputy