Labor's next leader?
Anthony Albanese appears to be an uncontested favourite to take on the role as the new federal Labor leader.
His position as frontrunner was reinforced after possible contender Chris Bowen withdrew from the contest on Wednesday afternoon.
So far it is a one-horse race, unless another potential cnadidate Jim Chalmers decides running as deputy leader is not enough. Mr Chalmers said he is still deciding on whether he'll contest for the top job and will announce his decision Thursday.
According to The New Daily, Mr Bowen said he did not think he would have won the leadership contest against Mr Albanese.
“I’ve been on the phone to colleagues. I’ve been very pleased with the response – it’s clear to me that I would have majority support in the actual caucus ballot,” he said.
“But it’s also clear to me – I’m a realist – that Albo would win the rank and file, for good reason – he’s a popular character … Hence I have reached the view that it would be unlikely for me to win the ballot.”
Unless another challenger comes forward a ballot can be avoided and the new leadership team put in place swiftly.
Who do you think is the best person for the job?
May 3, 2018 Instagram picture of Anthony Albanese with Jeremy Corbyn in the UK.
Labor’s leader in waiting Anthony Albanese will be forced to jettison the hard-left policies he has espoused for more than three decades, with former party heavyweights questioning his passionate stances on asylum-seekers, boat turnbacks and energy policy.
Mr Albanese, a democratic socialist from Sydney’s inner west who is set to assume the leadership unchallenged, has become close to far-left British Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Albo seems a decent enough chap...will be interesting to see how he performs as Opposition Leader. Shorten did not want him to get the job so I would not be turning my back on him!!