Which candidate is most likely to enhance the Electoral success of the party?
That is likely to include considerations of the personality of the leader - but what are the most important characteristics? likeability? toughness? ability to get on with colleagues?
A second issue is the perceived effectiveness of each candidate as a campaigner. This has featured in much recent comment. Who is most likely to attract the largest vote at a General Election? A member's view of this will be affected by their own views as to the best strategy to win the next election - whether boosting the core vote or reaching to a wider audience will translate into most seats won.
Which Policies being offered are the most attractive?
A key question here is which will be the greatest influence - policy positions shared with the members voting? or the perception of the attractiveness to potential voters? How far will members be prepared to weigh their own preferences againgst "electability". Underlying that decision will be members beliefs about what motivates voters towards (or against) giving their support to the party. Some argue that a more 'robust' socialist policy will attract current non-voters, whilst other believe that more centrist positions gain greater votes.
Who has (or has the potential to develop) the greatest Leadership skills?
which of course begs the question - what do we want from a leader.
What are your view? I'm happy to pass on comments and observations explaining why attributes of particular candidates are attracting your support. Email me at info@washminster.com
