Steerpike
Dark horse Labour leadership contender Al Carns is ready to run for the top job. The former special forces colonel and pull-up champion won’t start the firing gun – but if the trigger is pulled he is prepared to join the race. The news will no doubt delight the women and gays of Westminster. But what do MPs make of the military cross recipient?
One backbencher tells Mr S:
I find him to be an impressive, decent and serious man. He’s clearly got abundant relevant experience to his role in government and I think he has a bright future.
While it’s currently unlikely Carns can hit the magic 81 number of backers needed to run a campaign, he could find himself as an unexpected powerbroker, teaming up with whichever contender promises him a Defence Secretary role.
