http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8180195.stm

This looks like Harriet desperately trying to keep her seat if you ask me, but the real issue to my mind is 'whoever's best for the job' - I don't give a stuff if it's a man or a woman

Harmon seems to be saying that the best way to fight implied sexism is to employ politically-engineered sexism...

I think there are some pretty wise women (and men) at the top of Labour’s hierarchy. None of them seem to want the top jobs - it’s clearly career suicide now. I think they are waiting for the loss at the next general, kick Brown out and rebuild. I would suspect that if Harmon challenged Brown now, she’d get a following. I think she’s one of the dead certs.

I do agree - it has to be the best person for the job. If that’s a woman, then so be it. It’s just a shame that there are no women in the Labour party who I feel comfortable enough to trust to take the Big Chair at No 10. Engineered equality is a road to mediocrity. I’ve seen it in my spell at the civil service - quotas have to be met. They are just not always met by those who are up to the work.

Yes, you should see the state of our police service as a result

I think the only reason they haven't got rid of Gordon is that there's currently no one else who looks even remotely plausible, either to the public or Labour themselves. They'll have to find someone to lead the party/be PM obviously, and Harman's a contender as you say.

Harman defends equalities chief

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8180432.stm

First of all, going back to the original reason for this thread, it's pretty friggin' clear Harman doesn't know much about equality

Secondly, Trevor Phillips is either doing something very right or very wrong for that many people to leave so quickly

[quote]She does "not agree with all-male leaderships" because men "cannot be left to run things on their own" she told the Sunday Times/quote]What sexist cr@p.

I'm absolutely outraged by this.

Can you imagine the response if a man tried to impose this legislation, saying that women cannot be left to run things on their own? There would be public outcry.

It's ludicrous.

They should get the best people in to do the job, it doesn't matter if they're male or female.

The Tories didn't need such draconian rules to elect a woman leader, who then went on to be elected PM...