On 22 February 2007, Meacher declared his intention to stand for the leadership of the Labour Party. The decisions of both Meacher and John McDonnell to run for the leadership were controversial with many accusing Meacher of trying to split the nominations and keep McDonnell off the ballot paper, although neither candidate was thought to have any chance of winning the contest.Meacher denies he has been pressed to stand, The Guardian (London), 30 October 2006.This battle over the political crumbs is pathetic, The Observer (London), 25 February 2007.
