http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11127658
I think Peter Mandelson should be given credit where credit is due; he was highly instrumental in bringing Labour out of the wilderness to victory in 1997.
However, it is now time to allow the next generation to decide the next stage in the Party's future. To me, there is no sense in still attempting to cling on to the distinction between 'Old' and 'New' Labour.
Both Ed and David Miliband have spoken of the need to reconnect with Labour's core supporters and focus on why they have lost so many voters since 1997.
The Party needs someone who can get their message across effectively and take this dreadful coalition to task in the best possible way.
So far, to me, it is Ed Miliband who seems to have the qualities required to return Labour to power at the next election.
Lord Mandelson's latest comments are unhelpful and will only give fuel to the fire of a scandal-hungry press anxious to turn the Leadership contest into a duel between personalities, rather than a healthy discussion about the future direction of the Labour Party and how they can get back into Government when the UK next goes to the polls.
It is time for him to step aside gracefully and give others a chance to have their say.
Monday, 30 August 2010
Sunday, 29 August 2010
Scrapping NHS Direct A Betrayal Of The Electorate
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11120853
Well, so much for David Cameron's promises to protect the National Health Service!
The electorate were told during this year's Election campaign that health spending would be ring-fenced and protected from the huge cuts in spending being unleashed on other government departments.
Now the Coalition has announced that the service allowing patients to ring medically-qualified professionals for advice after-hours is being scrapped to save money. And they choose to do this during the summer recess, giving Parliament no opportunity to immediately debate the issues.
A most cynical move that has stunned and upset many voters who have have benefitted from the service. The Coalition can hardly say that this does not amount to cuts in spending on the NHS.
NHS Direct was introduced by the Labour Government in 1998 and has proved immensely popular with people worried about a problem out of hours; able to seek advice without having to wait for hours in A & E at their local hospital to see a doctor or nurse.
Now it is going to be replaced with the new '111' service which will in the main, be staffed by people with only limited medical training.
Former Labour Deputy Prime Minister Lord Prescott has been extremely quick in lauching an online petition to save NHS Direct.
There is no doubt that the Coalition is looking for ways in which to save money, but to scrap NHS Direct will undoubtedly put patients' lives at risk, despite what some doctors may say.
This Coalition is hell-bent on wrecking the NHS.
First we had a string of proposals for yet another restructuring of the NHS that it does not need. Now a popular, well-run service is being abolished.
The Coalition have allowed the public some say in what local services should be cut as government spending is reduced in an attempt to bring down the huge Budget deficit we face.
Why haven't the voters been consulted over scrapping NHS Direct?
When David Cameron says that he cares passionately about the NHS, it will be impossible in future to believe a single word he says.
This is an act of total vandalism by a government that has lied to the British people.
Well, so much for David Cameron's promises to protect the National Health Service!
The electorate were told during this year's Election campaign that health spending would be ring-fenced and protected from the huge cuts in spending being unleashed on other government departments.
Now the Coalition has announced that the service allowing patients to ring medically-qualified professionals for advice after-hours is being scrapped to save money. And they choose to do this during the summer recess, giving Parliament no opportunity to immediately debate the issues.
A most cynical move that has stunned and upset many voters who have have benefitted from the service. The Coalition can hardly say that this does not amount to cuts in spending on the NHS.
NHS Direct was introduced by the Labour Government in 1998 and has proved immensely popular with people worried about a problem out of hours; able to seek advice without having to wait for hours in A & E at their local hospital to see a doctor or nurse.
Now it is going to be replaced with the new '111' service which will in the main, be staffed by people with only limited medical training.
Former Labour Deputy Prime Minister Lord Prescott has been extremely quick in lauching an online petition to save NHS Direct.
There is no doubt that the Coalition is looking for ways in which to save money, but to scrap NHS Direct will undoubtedly put patients' lives at risk, despite what some doctors may say.
This Coalition is hell-bent on wrecking the NHS.
First we had a string of proposals for yet another restructuring of the NHS that it does not need. Now a popular, well-run service is being abolished.
The Coalition have allowed the public some say in what local services should be cut as government spending is reduced in an attempt to bring down the huge Budget deficit we face.
Why haven't the voters been consulted over scrapping NHS Direct?
When David Cameron says that he cares passionately about the NHS, it will be impossible in future to believe a single word he says.
This is an act of total vandalism by a government that has lied to the British people.
Friday, 27 August 2010
New Growth Figures Vindication Of Labour's Policy On Reducing Deficit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11106408
http://www.labourlist.org/the-growth-deniers---ed-balls-full-speech?utm_source=taomail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2892+Communication%2C+Fri+27th+Aug+2010&tmtid=34920-2892-6-1-1297
The growth figures published today show that Labour's policy of not cutting the Budget deficit too quickly and pumping large amounts of money into to the economy has paid off.
Ed Balls, the Shadow Education Secretary, claimed today that the figures are vindication that Labour's economic strategy during their last months in office was working and that the huge cuts in public spending proposed now by the Coalition will inevitably reverse any progress that has been made.
The long, slow march towards an inevitable double-dip recession continues on its way.
http://www.labourlist.org/the-growth-deniers---ed-balls-full-speech?utm_source=taomail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2892+Communication%2C+Fri+27th+Aug+2010&tmtid=34920-2892-6-1-1297
The growth figures published today show that Labour's policy of not cutting the Budget deficit too quickly and pumping large amounts of money into to the economy has paid off.
Ed Balls, the Shadow Education Secretary, claimed today that the figures are vindication that Labour's economic strategy during their last months in office was working and that the huge cuts in public spending proposed now by the Coalition will inevitably reverse any progress that has been made.
The long, slow march towards an inevitable double-dip recession continues on its way.
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Emergency Budget Will Hit Poor Hardest
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11079496
An independent report into the Coalition's emergency Budget has suggested that the poor will be the most adversely-affected by the measures and worse off than before.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies has described June's Budget as 'regressive'.
This will come as no surprise to the Labour Party who have said as such all along.
The Emergency Budget has been all about protecting the rich and hitting the poorest in our society.
An independent report into the Coalition's emergency Budget has suggested that the poor will be the most adversely-affected by the measures and worse off than before.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies has described June's Budget as 'regressive'.
This will come as no surprise to the Labour Party who have said as such all along.
The Emergency Budget has been all about protecting the rich and hitting the poorest in our society.
Monday, 23 August 2010
Ed Miliband Appeals Disaffected Lib Dems To Come Over To Labour
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11047450
In a BBC interview, :Party leadership candidate Ed Miliband has appealed to those Liberal Democrats unhappy with the policies being introduced by the Coalition to support Labour.
It was a direct message to those who had not joined the party to raise VAT and endorse massive cuts in public spending.
It follows rumours that Charles Kennedy, the former leader, was about to defect to Labour.
Despite the fact that Parliament is in recess, politics nevertheless continues to be interesting.
In a BBC interview, :Party leadership candidate Ed Miliband has appealed to those Liberal Democrats unhappy with the policies being introduced by the Coalition to support Labour.
It was a direct message to those who had not joined the party to raise VAT and endorse massive cuts in public spending.
It follows rumours that Charles Kennedy, the former leader, was about to defect to Labour.
Despite the fact that Parliament is in recess, politics nevertheless continues to be interesting.
Sunday, 22 August 2010
Australia's Inconclusive Election Mirrors UK Hung Parliament Result
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11050525
Australia's inconclusive General Election result means that, for the first time in decades, the country is heading for rule by a hung parliament.
And with this year's UK election still fresh in everyone's mind, the parallels are striking.
Like in the UK, the incumbents in Australia are a Labor Government, although they have not been in power for as long as the 13 years that Labour were here.
And although Australia has not suffered from the world recession like the UK has, like David Cameron's Party, Opposition leader Tony Abbott, has the same conservative ideas on bringing down Australia's Budget deficit; namely huge cuts in public spending. He is also making similar noises about reducing the size of Government.
As is the case in the UK, the Australian people will no doubt endure a sustained period of austerity should Mr Abbott manage to form a Government. Everything rests on whether Julia Gillard's negotiations with the Greens and the four conservative-leaning independent MPs are a success.
The British people are currently on tenterhooks waiting for the Autumn spending round and the announcement on which departments will be worst hit by the imminent cuts.
If Mr Abbott does indeed become the next Prime Mininster of Australia, then the people there too will go through the same anxieties that we in Britain are currently experiencing.
We wait and see if the Labor Party can hold on to power Down Under and hope that, unlike us, Australians are not made to suffer the draconian policies of an unelected right-wing coalition.
Australia's inconclusive General Election result means that, for the first time in decades, the country is heading for rule by a hung parliament.
And with this year's UK election still fresh in everyone's mind, the parallels are striking.
Like in the UK, the incumbents in Australia are a Labor Government, although they have not been in power for as long as the 13 years that Labour were here.
And although Australia has not suffered from the world recession like the UK has, like David Cameron's Party, Opposition leader Tony Abbott, has the same conservative ideas on bringing down Australia's Budget deficit; namely huge cuts in public spending. He is also making similar noises about reducing the size of Government.
As is the case in the UK, the Australian people will no doubt endure a sustained period of austerity should Mr Abbott manage to form a Government. Everything rests on whether Julia Gillard's negotiations with the Greens and the four conservative-leaning independent MPs are a success.
The British people are currently on tenterhooks waiting for the Autumn spending round and the announcement on which departments will be worst hit by the imminent cuts.
If Mr Abbott does indeed become the next Prime Mininster of Australia, then the people there too will go through the same anxieties that we in Britain are currently experiencing.
We wait and see if the Labor Party can hold on to power Down Under and hope that, unlike us, Australians are not made to suffer the draconian policies of an unelected right-wing coalition.
Saturday, 21 August 2010
Oona King Backs Ed Miliband for Labour Leader
http://www.labourlist.org/oona-king-backs-ed-miliband
Oona King, who is hoping to be Labour's candidate for the next Mayor of London, has declared her support for Ed Miliband as the new leader of the Labour Party.
This will come as a welcome boost to the younger of the two Miliband brothers, whose march to the Leadership of the Labour Party now seems unstoppable.
Oona King, who is hoping to be Labour's candidate for the next Mayor of London, has declared her support for Ed Miliband as the new leader of the Labour Party.
This will come as a welcome boost to the younger of the two Miliband brothers, whose march to the Leadership of the Labour Party now seems unstoppable.
Lib Dems Deny Charles Kennedy Is About To Defect To Labour
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Liberal-Democrats-Deny-Reports-That-Charles-Kennedy-Is-C
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has dismissed press rumours that former Party leader Charles Kennedy is about to defect to Labour.
Interviewed today, he brushed off the claims as part of the usual August 'silly season' when Parliament is in recess.
However with Simon Hughes already saying that Lib Dem MPs should have a veto over Coalition policies they don't like and with the spotlight of the Party Conference just weeks away, the full impact of intra-party disquiet could very soon be exposed.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has dismissed press rumours that former Party leader Charles Kennedy is about to defect to Labour.
Interviewed today, he brushed off the claims as part of the usual August 'silly season' when Parliament is in recess.
However with Simon Hughes already saying that Lib Dem MPs should have a veto over Coalition policies they don't like and with the spotlight of the Party Conference just weeks away, the full impact of intra-party disquiet could very soon be exposed.
Friday, 20 August 2010
Clegg Living In Cuckoo Land As He Dismisses Damage To Lib Dems
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11037124
Does Nick Clegg really believe the Liberal Democrats have not been damaged by entering a coalition with the Conservatives?
It is clear that Labour have been the main beneficiary of Mr Clegg's Party joining the Tories in government as polls show that they have received a huge surge in members since the election in May.
And now Clegg is saying that failure to secure a new voting system will not mean the end of the Coalition. Will the Party's grassroots really be able to stomach that.
Labour leadership contender David Miliband has quite rightly said that he would not work with Clegg if there was a hung parliament after the next election.
He and his Party have sold out on so many issues that the Liberal Democrats hold dear that it would be impossible to work with them under such circumstances.
Does Nick Clegg really believe the Liberal Democrats have not been damaged by entering a coalition with the Conservatives?
It is clear that Labour have been the main beneficiary of Mr Clegg's Party joining the Tories in government as polls show that they have received a huge surge in members since the election in May.
And now Clegg is saying that failure to secure a new voting system will not mean the end of the Coalition. Will the Party's grassroots really be able to stomach that.
Labour leadership contender David Miliband has quite rightly said that he would not work with Clegg if there was a hung parliament after the next election.
He and his Party have sold out on so many issues that the Liberal Democrats hold dear that it would be impossible to work with them under such circumstances.
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Hughes Calls For Lib Dem Policy Veto As Coalition Marks 100 Days In Power
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11004127
The Liberal Democrats are calling for the right of their MPs to veto unpopular policies being proposed by the Coalition.
These are being led by new deputy leader, Simon Hughes, who has always been on the left of the party, so they won't come as a huge surprise to Westminster. And they come as the Coalition marks 100 days since taking office.
One sees a party that has spent decades on the Opposition benches abandoning all its principles having now tasted power. Opinion polls reflect how unpopular the Lib Dems now are following their agreement to share power with the Conservatives. The most recent survey has put their popularity as low as 8%.
The two parties have agreed to work together on bringing down the huge budget deficit that this country has been left with and that spending cuts are the only way forward.
However Mr Hughes' intervention begs the question of what will happen when the spending cuts start to bite and the Coalition becomes extremely unpopular, as it no doubt will.
At what point should the Lib Dems be at liberty to say no to policies they really don't like and effectively bring down the Coalition?
I am sure that it not just Mr Hughes who is asking themselves that question.
The Liberal Democrats are calling for the right of their MPs to veto unpopular policies being proposed by the Coalition.
These are being led by new deputy leader, Simon Hughes, who has always been on the left of the party, so they won't come as a huge surprise to Westminster. And they come as the Coalition marks 100 days since taking office.
One sees a party that has spent decades on the Opposition benches abandoning all its principles having now tasted power. Opinion polls reflect how unpopular the Lib Dems now are following their agreement to share power with the Conservatives. The most recent survey has put their popularity as low as 8%.
The two parties have agreed to work together on bringing down the huge budget deficit that this country has been left with and that spending cuts are the only way forward.
However Mr Hughes' intervention begs the question of what will happen when the spending cuts start to bite and the Coalition becomes extremely unpopular, as it no doubt will.
At what point should the Lib Dems be at liberty to say no to policies they really don't like and effectively bring down the Coalition?
I am sure that it not just Mr Hughes who is asking themselves that question.
Monday, 16 August 2010
Ed Miliband's Campaign Continues To Build Momentum But Labour Leadership Contest Still Wide Open
http://www.labourlist.org/mark-ferguson-latest-labourlist-leadership-survey-the-results?utm_source=taomail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2879+Commun
According to this poll of Labour List readers, Ed Miliband has now overtaken his brother David as the favourite to take over as Labour leader in September.
Surprisingly, Andy Burnham seems to be doing far better than expected, and is ahead of Ed Balls, according to these findings.
It seems that this leadership election will go right down the wire.
According to this poll of Labour List readers, Ed Miliband has now overtaken his brother David as the favourite to take over as Labour leader in September.
Surprisingly, Andy Burnham seems to be doing far better than expected, and is ahead of Ed Balls, according to these findings.
It seems that this leadership election will go right down the wire.
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Alan Milburn To Become Coalition's Social Mobility Tsar
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-10977806
This will certainly raise a few eyebrows, following the appointment of former Labour ministers Frank Field and John Hutton as advisors on welfare reform and the fight against poverty.
What does it say about this new Coalition?
This will certainly raise a few eyebrows, following the appointment of former Labour ministers Frank Field and John Hutton as advisors on welfare reform and the fight against poverty.
What does it say about this new Coalition?
Obama Right To Support Building Of New Mosque Near Ground Zero
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/14/barack-obama-ground-zero-mosque
The decision to build a mosque and cultural centre near the site of the 9/11 attacks in New York has caused great controversy.
Relatives of those who perished in the World Trade Centre atrocity are understandably very distressed by this.
President Obama, however, has backed the plans, stating that in the United States, Muslims have as much right to a place of worship as anyone else.
And I have to agree with him.
The terrorists who caused death and mayhem on September 11 2001 did not represent the majority of peace-loving, tolerant Muslims around the world who were appalled by the tragedy.
What occurred on that fateful day was a total perversion of the cause of Islam and the perpetrators can in no way be viewed as true defenders of the Muslim faith.
Therefore building a mosque near Ground Zero should not, in my view, be seen as a victory for terrorism.
The decision to build a mosque and cultural centre near the site of the 9/11 attacks in New York has caused great controversy.
Relatives of those who perished in the World Trade Centre atrocity are understandably very distressed by this.
President Obama, however, has backed the plans, stating that in the United States, Muslims have as much right to a place of worship as anyone else.
And I have to agree with him.
The terrorists who caused death and mayhem on September 11 2001 did not represent the majority of peace-loving, tolerant Muslims around the world who were appalled by the tragedy.
What occurred on that fateful day was a total perversion of the cause of Islam and the perpetrators can in no way be viewed as true defenders of the Muslim faith.
Therefore building a mosque near Ground Zero should not, in my view, be seen as a victory for terrorism.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Full Impact Of Coalition Plans For Council Tenants Revealed
http://www.labourlist.org/jeremy-corbyn-a-cruel-nasty-and-dangerous-homes-policy?utm_source=taoma
David Cameron recently said the right to a council home for life should be scrapped. This article outlines extremely well what would happen if these proposals became law.
And as usual, the Liberal Democrat poodles in the government are not saying anything to oppose this.
David Cameron recently said the right to a council home for life should be scrapped. This article outlines extremely well what would happen if these proposals became law.
And as usual, the Liberal Democrat poodles in the government are not saying anything to oppose this.
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Ministry Of Justice Statement A Taste Of Things To Come
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-10925989
The announcement from the Ministry of Justice outlining the severity of impending job cuts will not have come as a surprise.
The message of the Coalition has been clear from the start. Nearly all Government departments will have to make huge cuts in spending in order to bring down the budget deficit inherited from the previous Labour administration.
This is surely just a taste of things to come.
The full impact of Government cuts will be known on October 20, with the spending round. Then we will learn exactly where in which departments the axe will fall.
I suspect the whole of Whitehall is also holding its breath.
The announcement from the Ministry of Justice outlining the severity of impending job cuts will not have come as a surprise.
The message of the Coalition has been clear from the start. Nearly all Government departments will have to make huge cuts in spending in order to bring down the budget deficit inherited from the previous Labour administration.
This is surely just a taste of things to come.
The full impact of Government cuts will be known on October 20, with the spending round. Then we will learn exactly where in which departments the axe will fall.
I suspect the whole of Whitehall is also holding its breath.
Thursday, 5 August 2010
'Klutz' Cameron's Latest Gaffe On Iran
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1300678/David-Cameron-branded-klutz-suggesting-Iran-nuclear-weapons-latest-foreign-policy-gaffe.html
It certainly doesn't get much worse than this for the Prime Minister.
Labour have branded him a 'foreign policy klutz' for his latest throw-away comments that Iran had nuclear weapons.
And now the Tory-supporting Daily Mail has jumped on the bandwagon.
Once again, Cameron is showing his political inexperience.
It certainly doesn't get much worse than this for the Prime Minister.
Labour have branded him a 'foreign policy klutz' for his latest throw-away comments that Iran had nuclear weapons.
And now the Tory-supporting Daily Mail has jumped on the bandwagon.
Once again, Cameron is showing his political inexperience.
PM's Fixed Council Tenancy Proposals Are Riddled With Flaws
http://www.labourlist.org/why-time-limiting-social-tenancies-wont-aid-mobility?utm_source=taomail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2870+Communication,+Thu+5th+Aug+2010&tmtid=33832-2870-6-1-1297
This article sets out perfectly the arguments against abolishing the right of council tenants to a home for life.
The most worrying aspect of the Prime Minister's latest big idea is that giving people council homes for only a fixed period will act as a complete disincentive to finding work. People will now be worried that if they get a job they will lose their home and be forced move in to one in the private sector and could find themselves suddenly unable to afford to pay rent.
What level of income will be deemed enough for someone to live on in the commercial market?
In my mind, these proposals will make people want to remain unemployed and have not been thought out.
David Cameron is shooting from the hip once again.
This article sets out perfectly the arguments against abolishing the right of council tenants to a home for life.
The most worrying aspect of the Prime Minister's latest big idea is that giving people council homes for only a fixed period will act as a complete disincentive to finding work. People will now be worried that if they get a job they will lose their home and be forced move in to one in the private sector and could find themselves suddenly unable to afford to pay rent.
What level of income will be deemed enough for someone to live on in the commercial market?
In my mind, these proposals will make people want to remain unemployed and have not been thought out.
David Cameron is shooting from the hip once again.
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Can Anything Else Go Wrong For This ConDem Coalition?
http://www.labourlist.org/the-so-called-schools-revolution-is-a-damp-squib
We are barely a few weeks into the life of this new Coalition and already there have been a catalogue of problems.
Within days of taking office, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, David Laws, is forced to resign because of a sex scandal.
Then we had Michael Gove's botched announcement of which schools were going to be hit by the scrapping of Labour's Building Schools for the Future scheme.
Next, the Prime Minister puts his foot in it big-time by accusing Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism, whilst on a visit to India, her most bitter political rival
Now it has become clear that very few schools want to become self-governing academies.
This Government is engaging in change for change's sake in the all the institutions that form the bedrock of British society - the NHS, Schools, the Police, with surely others to follow.
These are changes that are based on Tory dogma and a dislike of big government, rather than the benefit of the British public.
And the Liberal Democrats are following along behind like brainless poodles.
We are barely a few weeks into the life of this new Coalition and already there have been a catalogue of problems.
Within days of taking office, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, David Laws, is forced to resign because of a sex scandal.
Then we had Michael Gove's botched announcement of which schools were going to be hit by the scrapping of Labour's Building Schools for the Future scheme.
Next, the Prime Minister puts his foot in it big-time by accusing Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism, whilst on a visit to India, her most bitter political rival
Now it has become clear that very few schools want to become self-governing academies.
This Government is engaging in change for change's sake in the all the institutions that form the bedrock of British society - the NHS, Schools, the Police, with surely others to follow.
These are changes that are based on Tory dogma and a dislike of big government, rather than the benefit of the British public.
And the Liberal Democrats are following along behind like brainless poodles.
Monday, 2 August 2010
Long Spell In Opposition Not A Certainty For Labour
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-10827320
David Miliband struck a very sombre note at the latest hustings for the Labour leadership candidates.
Yes, it is true that the Labour Party historically has spent many long years in Opposition following certain election defeats
However, whilst Labour's share of the vote in May's election was by all accounts low, the fact that the Tories did not get an overall majority and is now very precariously sharing power with a party that has more in common with Labour than them, has to mean that Labour has some cause for optimism.
Labour's defeat in the last election was in no way as catastrophic as those the party experienced in 1983 or 1987. Nor can anyone claim that they lost as badly as the Tories did in 1997.
David Miliband is right to take a very cautious line and warn the Party that they could be out of power for a long time.
But how long Labour spends on the Opposition benches will depend heavily on the new leader taking control very quickly and ensuring that the Party immediately unites behind them. As long as the Party remains disciplined and focussed, then Labour can concentrate on rebuilding itself and ensuring victory at the next election in five years time.
I believe it is definitely possible for Labour to do this.
A long spell in Opposition is by no means a certainty.
David Miliband struck a very sombre note at the latest hustings for the Labour leadership candidates.
Yes, it is true that the Labour Party historically has spent many long years in Opposition following certain election defeats
However, whilst Labour's share of the vote in May's election was by all accounts low, the fact that the Tories did not get an overall majority and is now very precariously sharing power with a party that has more in common with Labour than them, has to mean that Labour has some cause for optimism.
Labour's defeat in the last election was in no way as catastrophic as those the party experienced in 1983 or 1987. Nor can anyone claim that they lost as badly as the Tories did in 1997.
David Miliband is right to take a very cautious line and warn the Party that they could be out of power for a long time.
But how long Labour spends on the Opposition benches will depend heavily on the new leader taking control very quickly and ensuring that the Party immediately unites behind them. As long as the Party remains disciplined and focussed, then Labour can concentrate on rebuilding itself and ensuring victory at the next election in five years time.
I believe it is definitely possible for Labour to do this.
A long spell in Opposition is by no means a certainty.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)