Labour need the Gillard edge

Julia Gillard (Image: Waltzing more than Matilda)

It's difficult being closely associated with Labour party at the moment. After a heavy defeat on May 7th, they've lost some key politicians from the front bench, their leader resigns and media scrutiny has hit the sixth gear with reports of an internal war going on - who's to blame, Labour weren't 'pro-business' and basically, the party is in a mess.

But these aren't my views, and not to the more than nine million who turned up on general election day and placed an X next to one of the 600+ candidates Labour put out there. They gained some crucial seats in London, but ultimately, the rest of the South East of England and Scotland was where they lost heavy ground. The Conservatives only had to gain 20 seats from the previous general election, and they gained that through the fall of the Liberal Democrats. It seemed like an easy victory in the end for David Cameron and he's likely to remain Prime Minister for another five years.

Where does this leave Labour? I'm sure it would have been much easier to answer this without the press emphasising the party's 'crisis'. I don't think there's a crisis. Ed Miliband proved in the end to be a capable leader rather than someone who appeared inexperienced, as we sensed at the start. In addition, he had to spend a lot of time proving to the nation that he was the right Miliband to lead the party as many were left unconvinced. One thing that certainly didn't help was the Blairites like David Miliband, Peter Mandelson and Tony Blair himself publicly supporting Ed one minute, and then backtracking after discovering he wasn't going to win

The main goal for Labour over the next twelve months in particular, is stability. This September, we find out who the party's next leader will be. At present, there are four candidates for the top job and while they may be 'honourable friends' now, it may turn ugly should the stakes rise. The candidates are, as it stands, Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper, Liz Kendall and Mary Creagh, however they must each receive nominations from 35 Labour MPs to be an official candidate and to date, none have reached the target. Fear not, they until 15th June to ensure they have the sufficient number of backers.

It's been an interesting campaign already with Tristram Hunt and Chuka Umunna choosing not to run, despite the latter announcing his intentions three days before taking a U-turn. Both had a very good chance of being leader. For me, it's early days as to who I think is the most suitable leader. Remember, sadly, you need to have the policies in addition to the personality rather than just the former, as Ed Miliband quickly learned. This is where I think Andy Burnham and Yvette Cooper may not make the cut, and despite their fantastic credentials and being terrific campaigners, I fear they may suffer same fate as their former colleague. Rewind back four-or-so years ago when David Cameron dominated many PMQs because he was ultimately, the loudest and therefore appeared more confident. Miliband couldn't cope initially but he fought back eventually but the press, and the Conservatives aren't a forgiving bunch.

Liz Kendall (Image: Daily Telegraph)

Admittedly, I never heard of Liz Kendall and Mary Creagh and I haven't formed an opinion of the latter as of yet although if she gets her 35 nominations, then I'm sure we will all hear more from her. But I have looked into Ms Kendall, the now ex-girlfriend of comedian Greg Davies, and I do like the sound of her. She seems passionate, pretty laid back and confident. I can see her going to PMQs without any scars and appears scandal-proof. I do fear she is another Tony Blair as some have suggested and for me, that's the last thing Labour need but we'll see as the days and months pass.

I must be honest though, I'm not blown away by any of the candidates so far but I'm sure that'll change by September. I would prefer a Diane Abbott or Harriet Harman but when I've suggested that to some people I hear gasps, so what do I know? One person I do have in mind, and although she's not a British citizen anymore, she's Labour at heart and has experience of running a huge economy with ease. Who am I thinking of?

Julia Gillard, of course.

Again, I may sense people gasping but I've always been fond of the former Australian Prime Minister, from a tiny South Wales town, Barry. She became Prime Minister in 2010, shortly after the global financial crisis reached breaking point. Gillard set realistic goals and made cuts where needed, and the laws enforced weren't dramatic. Australia found stability and she was popular among the Aussie public - it was a shame her colleagues didn't feel the same as her tenure as leader ended three years after. At the moment, she's embarked on a career away from full-time politics and is dedicated to contributing to the country's education system and is appointed board members of mental health organisations.

However, I feel now is time that she returned to UK, get a British passport, take advantage of her Commonwealth status and exceed expectations in British politics. I think she can turn things around and bring stability to the majority rather than the minority. She also has good international relationships and is dedicated in home relations rather than focusing on meddling into other nations' business. Yes, she kept Australian troops in Afghanistan but there are still many nations there 'keeping tracks' of the Taliban.

I know that Julia Gillard will never become a politician in the UK, let alone leader of the Labour party. There's probably even a law that bans anyone leading more than one country. However, if Labour has someone with her passion, drive and track record, I think they can get the crucial votes needed to get into power. Labour need to strategise and offer an element of surprise. At the moment, it all seems predictable. I like predictable but people can move on to the next thing so quickly. Labour doesn't need to be trapped in 1997 when the Conservatives are in 2015.