What’s Reid up to?
Speculation continues as to what John Reid is plotting. Why go to such lengths for self-promotion if you’re not after something?
Reid’s not in a position to challenge Brown and he knows it. The Labour party voting rules means that Brown’s got it pretty much sown up. If it’s the Deputy position he wants, I’m not convinced that the Labour party will allow Scots to dominate both top jobs - it clearly wouldn’t be a vote winner.
Could he be after a seat at the table under a Brown government? Clearly he would like one, but would Gordon really be that accommodating to the Blairites? I’m not convinced.
Then what is it? Perhaps he’s preparing for a future leadership contest. If Gordon loses the next election, which is quite possible, then perhaps he wants to be there to take the reins. He may be a few years older than Brown, but that won’t necessarily stop him.