While I get your point, it's a bit disingenuous to call him a glorified councillor. You're aware he did used to be an MP, right?
At the very least he's less robotic than Starmer. I once visited the HoC public gallery and watched him debate with Michael Gove about the bill to close the Sure Start centres. He came across very well and showed Gove up for the pompous prick that he is. I thought he would have been a good choice for Leader when Corbyn resigned.