I'm always happy to see any kind of publicity for mediation, after all there's no such thing as bad publicity.

So my ears pricked up when I heard that mediation/alternative dispute resolution was being offered to assist the current labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn.

Now, I'm not eager to criticise the offer of mediation but when the offer is that "the unions" will help in the mediation I do hesitate before giving my normal full support to anyone using alternative dispute resolution.

One of the key elements of being a great mediator and to achieving a realistic and agreed resolution is independence - you cannot have a party with a vested interest in the outcome of the process act as mediator. The chance of bias, whether real or perceived, is simply too high and will cause a bar to establishing trust and to achieving a genuine resolution.

It would be good to think that rather than a costly and embittered campaign which will either oust Jeremy Corbyn or secure his re-election, that mediation could be used to bring about a smooth change of leadership or cementing the labour party behind him and I hope and wish all involved success. However, I cannot see that with a union acting as the mediator (or "honest broker" as they may put it) that the chances of a mediated settlement are high.

Should you (or any member of any political party) wish to discuss the use of mediation in settling any dispute please contact Ed Johnson at Northwest Mediation on 07931318347 or at ed.johnson@northwestmediation.co.uk