There was once a time when they split the anti-tory vote, providing a bolthole for Labour supporters upset over perceived slights. But no more, they're seen as tories, they governed as tories and nobody to the left of them will ever trust them again.

As I say, with the Tory split more likely, the schism being pro business pro-customs union versus anti europe swash-bucking free trade brexiteers, I'd say that Heidi allen's role was to be a more welcoming face for the fleeing Tories than the ex-Labour Umunna.

keep to the Fen Causeway

Heidi's elevation is just window dressing.