We need to dig deep and give people a reason to be optimistic just as Obama is doing in America. Because in the same way that outcome of the U.S. elections will change the course of events there and around the world, so too do politics here in Britain. – Lucy Powell

For sure, the Obamania thats fast taking hold reflects an incredible thirst for change in global politics and, dare I say, a wave of optimism that things can be different. – Lucy Powell

In politics, the number of women in the cabinet has fallen and, if current poll trends continue and Labour loses a number of marginal seats, the number of female MPs is likely to drop significantly. – Lucy Powell