A postscript to my earlier blog about the Balls campaign being on the ropes.
Here is a YouGov poll of Labour members from mid-way in the deputy leadership race in 2007 which turned out to be spectacularly wrong. It’s worth bearing in mind.
If you follow through to the link you’ll see that Hilary Benn was the most popular and Harriet Harman came in fourth; the final result was the total opposite.
As an ally of Balls points out, the close of nominations and fundraising totals can also be deceptive. During the deputy race Peter Hain raised the most money but came 5th, Benn got the most CLP nominations but came 4th, Jon Cruddas got biggest union backing with Unite & others but came 3rd.
Point taken; although I stand by my earlier post.
Jim Pickard
Kiran Stacey