The one memorable moment from last night’s Labour leadership debate was Liz Kendall’s remark that ‘country should come first’, with regards to another leadership contest before 2020. It was a swipe at Andy Burnham, who had said that the ‘party should come first.’ Team Kendall is understandably pleased at the Vines and clips of this exchange. It has given her campaign some crucial momentum and ensures that the contest remains a three-horse race.
In a debate that was otherwise pretty uneventful, this exchange is likely to stick with both Burnham and Kendall. But a source on Burnham’s campaign suggests that the remark has been misinterpreted: ‘Andy clearly meant “party before individuals and candidates.” Liz tried to score a cheap point by taking it out of context.’
One of the reasons Team Burnham may be sensitive about it is because it’s his second gaff of the campaign, after he was booed at the GMB hustings for failing to directly answer a question on reducing the benefits cap to £23k.
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