Anthony Painter

I’m going to shamelessly rip-off the Guardian’s ‘in praise of…’ feature today. I’ve dashed off my weekly column to LabourList this morning and I thought I’d just quickly check out what was on the site. It has at least four top quality pieces. The ones that caught my eye were: Stephen Newton on healthcare reform- a bit of perspective; Mark Ferguson on the Islington Fairness Commission which is an incredible initiative; Tony Burton on the big society and civicism; Jon Wilson on the labour movement; and Caroline Badley on how to re-energise the party.

Since Alex Smith took over I’ve been a big fan of the site but I have to say that it has gone to new level over the last few weeks. It really gives a sense of perspective and healthy debate. It would have been easy for it to fall into just being a mudslinging site post-election. Far from it, it gives voice to range of perspectives across the party: from the constructively critical to the ferociously so while sensibly leading on party debate.

I would even go as far as saying that there is more self-reflective honesty on LabourList than there is in the leadership election.

It has managed to retain absolute balance on the leadership election and is the place to go for the latest scores on the doors with CLP nominations and the like.

I’d really recommend visiting the site regularly and signing up to their daily newsletter. I know I’m biased (but I should say I don’t get paid for my column) but LabourList needs to continue its growth. It does need some investment so if you like the site, give what you can.

If not, just enjoy.