Diane Abbott is fairly unnoticeable, fulfilling her token black woman role nicely (not a criticism of her by the way), Andy Burnham has done quite well despite having almost no chance of winning, Ed Balls has been quite shouty and then we have the Miliband Brothers dominating the scene.

I perhaps unfairly described Ed Miliband to a friend as the Huw Lewis of the race - referring to the grassroots underdog who ran in the Welsh Labour leadership selection earlier this year.

He is actually doing far better than I expected and seems to be a much stronger candidate than he ought to be.  David too, is doing extremely well but everyone expected that.

I still don't know who I will vote for at the moment. I wish I could be immersed in the campaigns of all the candidates, meet each one, see them speak, and see them all behind the scenes.  

I'm not great at analysing the political agendas and dissecting gossip surrounding all the key people, largely due to lack of time and interest in obsessing over such things.  But I can tell you what the public figures are like as people, thanks to my 'fly on the wall' status as a photographer when documenting events and campaigns. This insight to politicians as people when they think nobody (who matters) is looking, is crucial information in conjunction with voting records and manifestos.

Locally I have been involved with the Movement for Change, which has trained up community organisers across the UK to bring together people across communities to identify issues and collectively seek action to address them.  It is something we really need locally, since I live in a very divided ward.  It is part of the campaign but not all people involved with the Movement for Change are even Labour Party members.  Campaign gimmick yes, but it does have huge potential for having an impact.  All very Obama style, nonetheless.

The London Assembly brought together people from across the UK, who were angry about the impact of the ConDem policies on their lives.  

The Movement for Change London Assembly

A long line of real people spoke to the Assembly of 1000 people and told their stories of how a Labour Government had been there for them, and how the ConDems were on the path towards ruining their lives.  The conclusion from most of these speeches was "vote for David, he's the only man who can save us".  

Sarcasm aside, it was a very moving event, it was very authentic, most people who spoke are not public speakers at all.  Their stories really did mean something. It inspired people, the fire was lit again.  It made me believe that perhaps we can bring activism back. I couldn't help but wish that Labour Party conferences could have an element of this in them.

But in reality I was there to try to get a better on grip on who David Miliband is.  Has the Blairite changed his ways?  He says he has.  And do you know what? I believe that he believes that.

Co-Chairs for the event

Supporters in the crowd

Et viola!  Brass band and big flags

David greets the crowds

Is this a shell shocked look or one of "OMG I'm winning this"?

After a very moving speech from a man talking about his family and disabled son, the child was brought up onto the stage to meet David

David stands up to speak. Cue thunderous applause.

If you are interested, David's speech can be found here

Pointing the finger of blame at the ConDems

Telling us how he has changed as a politician

"This is the real coalition in Britain today" | David Miliband for Labour Leader

With you leading the charge, with your commitment and drive and energy I'll put our good society head to head with the Tory idea of a big society any time, any place, anywhere.

Cue thunderous applause

During the break

A speech from the Congolese for Labour organisation of 100 people who are supporting David

A song to wrap up from a talented local girl

David wraps up

And sends us on our way

And we leave London

To pursue the dream