Top leftists

Iain Dale's idea of what constitutes a "leftist" is rather different than mine. But, as Paul Stott says, Like a stopped clock, Iain Dale is right twice a day. These are from his "top hundred left-wingers".

97. (NEW) SALMA YACOUB

Respect Councillor

Though many would say she does not deserve to be on a list of lefties at all, being more at home with totalitarianism than democracy, Yacoub is about all that is left of the Respect Coalition after its egos exploded in division and widespread derision – staying loyal to Galloway and working as a councilor in Birmingham. Respect might still deprive Labour of a few seats and contribute to the election of a Conservative government.

70. (-5) CLAIRE FOX

Director, Institute of Ideas

Is she left wing or right wing? Having spent twenty years in the Revolutionary Communist Party you'd think the former, but she's a stout defender of freedom of speech and small government. Her controversial views have led to a burgeoning career in media punditry. [Bob says: If Claire Fox is "left-wing", so is Boris Johnson's advisor Munira Mirza, and half the rest of the RCP sleepers running the Tory party these days...]

57. (NEW) JIM MURPHY

Minister for Europe

Jim Murphy is widely thought to have performed well in his current office, despite the disasters of the Lisbon Treaty. He is a good bet for Cabinet promotion if and when there is a reshuffle. A calm and reassuring media performer. [Bob says: I don't like many politicians, but I like Jim Murphy.]

51. (-27) TREVOR PHILLIPS

Chair, Commission for Equality & Human Rights Phillips's new position gives him sweeping powers and influence and has led to him being dubbed the "Political Correctness Czar". A great survivor, he has developed some well thought out views on the failures of multiculturalism which have made him enemies on the left. [Bob says: I guess sometimes being politically incorrect is being politically correct, and vice versa.]