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September 6, 2006
Keep the champagne on hold
After the last few days of statement, counter-statement, letters, briefings and resignations, it is tempting to think of celebrating the end of Blair's premiership and a move away from Blairism. Once again Gordon Brown is being hailed as the natural successor, the man who will defeat Cameron's Conservatives and lead Labour to another election victory.
Well I for one don't hold with the idea that Gordon Brown would make a good leader. It is too easy to believe that all Labour's unpopularity stems directly from the PM, and that by ditching Blair the Party can somehow pretend that it wasn't their fault. But on the whole, while Blair may have been the figured head, the Party went along with his policies. Look at Brown's voting record from the Public Whip:
In Labour's first term, his voting attendance was a mere 16.7% and he never rebelled. In their second term, his attendance dropped to 11.1% and again, he never rebelled. Now while Blair's attendance was far worse, never making double figure percentages, he actually rebelled twice!. So don't think Labour's policies are going to change overnight, don't expect troops out of war zones, don't expect a reduction in the commitment to PFI.
Above all, don't think things are going to get better under Brown.
If we're to have cause to celebrate, then the Party needs to rid itself of the idea of a smooth and stable transition of leadership to Gordon Brown. Instead, let's have an open, honest and informative leadership campaign, based on policies rather than personalities. The Party has reassessed its direction before, let it be prepared to do so again. And let the (remaining) members be involved.
Some worthwhile information on the whole Leadership process, and what the membership can do, can be found at the Save the Labour Party website.
Posted by Clive on September 6, 2006 12:15 PM in the category Labour