Could Alan Johnson pip the Balls duo?
Is he the only one that EdB would accept?
Inevitably there are lots of rumours running about who EdM will chose as his shadow chancellor and there’s been a buzz about Alan Johnson.
Just trying to think this through EdM will have a massive job dealing with EdB if the latter doesn’t get it. The former close Brown-aide and Schools Secretary is a powerful figure and my guess is that the only contenders whom he would accept are, possibly, his wife Yvette and Alan Johnson.
The ex-home secretary is a big Labour figure and is one the most accomplished front benchers on either side of the house. He’s a good persuader and has very different “back story” that could present a awkward contrast with Osborne’s.
Johnson in the role would add a lot of gravitas and solidity to what is inevitably a relatively unknown team.
He’s now in to about evens on Smarkets.