Friday, May 02, 2008
Labour’s crisis begins in earnest…
It’s no longer a secret. Gordon Brown is in serious difficulties. Trailing the Tories by a full 21 percentage points is a smack in the face that the party may have anticipated, but seem remarkably unprepared for. Local parties building their strategy around a Brown and Labour government would be well advised to dust off their Plan B, bring into play. Poverty of ambition is a much a part of this embarrassing defeat as the competent and energetic campaigning of the Tories.
Mick Fealty @ 07:28 AM
Any news from London Mick?
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 08:36 AMLabour can relax....they just need to wait for Cameron to come up with another one of his policies du jour, then they can thieve it and shout longer and harder that it was theirs all along.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 08:48 AMComplete shambles linked to the removal of the 10p tax level, what a bad call in the face of ultra high energy and food inflation. Coupled with the targeting by banks of property for investment returns has made Labour look a little people-blind.
Times really are tough for those of us on around 12-17k a year and with large increases in cost of living and the likelihood that people have not adjusted to it yet, still spending in line with previous household budgets, has probably rumbled Labour’s vote base. This may have given the kick in the guts to voters who have made this one of the biggest protest votes against the current shape of things under Labour leadership.
I noticed the Tories haven’t really been gloating over this victory as they realise the mammoth job required in lifting people out of the doldrums, which given last night’s Question Time shows much of this will require successful approaches at an international level. The Tories aren’t that great on the world stage or even with European partnerships.
Troubled times ahead with many live-to-work mindsets out there.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 09:12 AMA week is a long time in politics. There will be many banana skins for labour and the Tories to slip on before the next election.
Too soon to callPosted by on May 02, 2008 @ 09:26 AMWhat really amazes me is the descent of Labour into factional briefing, backbench rebellion and trouble over Europe. It was ultimately Labour backbenchers that caused the 10p tax rate issue to be a crisis. Principled for sure, but complete political suicide. It’s like watching mid 90’s vintage Tories. Every MP in the House of Commons knows the result: this is history repeated as farce.
I suspect a loss in the next election will cause an ideological fight between Labour’s left and right wings that will do it no good and result in a period in the wilderness. About the only thing I see going for them at the moment is they aren’t as hated as the Tories were.
Still, I find Cameroon to be the most plastic-y and insincere politicians I’ve ever seen. Apparently I’m a minority.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 09:29 AMThere seems to be something so non-Labour underlying in Gordon Brown’s recent leadership approaches.
A case in point was when the parties here pressed for lower corporation tax which was countered by Brown that perhaps N.I. should consider lowering its minimum wage.
In hot pursuit of Gordon Brown is Mr Varney, who has been uttering similar tones about lowering min wage, which if I saw him now in my current state I would not think twice about putting my fist through his face.
So, while this stuff wouldn’t wash at all in Great Britain for it would eject the most noblest politician, the 10p tax situation is a watered down reflection of Brown’s current economic style. It is, in my view a good example of how Labour has lost touch with those on lower incomes and those that make things financially awkward can expect reciprocation in the form of life becoming politically awkward.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 09:44 AMIndeed DC, there’s no doubt that governments who remain in power so long end up looking at the electorate and elections as occupational hazzards. This arrogance eventually ends up biting them on the a*se as they think that their office is a given and the views and opinions of the public irrelevant. The 10p tax was political suicide as people on low incomes are finding it harder & harder to stretch their meagre wages. Like yourself EVERY time I see or listen to one of these self righteous economists, banking spokespersons or right wing business groups demanding that we tighten our belts; accept lower wages & redundicies; embrace slave labour call centre working conditions and make sacrifices I FEEL like sticking my boot through the TV. When BP, SHELL, TESCO, BT & The Energy companies post soaring record multi billion pound profits as they triple their charges & prices I get bloody angry. We are being fed the usual Thatcherite dogma by people like Varney which promotes greed and embraces poverty. They are living in an immoral world that starts and ends on a ledger sheet and boils life down to profit and loss. This crowd acctually boast that an underclass MUST exist to feed the egos and bank balances of the chosen few. It is a sad indictment on the rotten, selfish, uncaring world we live in. If there is a hell hopefully this crowd will burn in it for eternity.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 10:33 AMLURIG: “When BP, SHELL, TESCO, BT & The Energy companies post soaring record multi billion pound profits as they triple their charges & prices I get bloody angry.”
Then change to Esso, Total, Co-Op, Pipex, and calor gas.
Don’t get angry - do something about it. I have - the best examples above are Tesco and BT.
Tesco are undercut in various products by lots of different companies - by Iceland for prepared meals, by Lidl for basics, by Asda & George’s Market for fresh food, even M&S;are cheaper for wine.
BT are probably the most expensive choice you can make for either broadband or phone. Pipex are always doing deals for t’internet and Virgin media are quite good for overall packages.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 10:58 AMThey’re blaming their woes on the tough economic times we are in and heading for, but I don’t think it was all down to the economy.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 11:02 AMkensei>What really amazes me is the descent of Labour into factional briefing, backbench rebellion and trouble over Europe. It was ultimately Labour backbenchers that caused the 10p tax rate issue to be a crisis. Principled for sure, but complete political suicide. It’s like watching mid 90’s vintage Tories. Every MP in the House of Commons knows the result: this is history repeated as farce.<<
So your point is that labour backbenchers should have said nothing about the 10p farce as staying in power is more important than principle.
Brown’s only objective since taking on the role of PM has been to try and stay in power (the IHT climbdown) rather than make the hard decisions that are necessary to begin closing the wealth gap that has grown under labour.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 11:11 AMComplete shambles linked to the removal of the 10p tax level, what a bad call in the face of ultra high energy and food inflation. Coupled with the targeting by banks of property for investment returns has made Labour look a little people-blind.
And the lost data, and the election that never was, and the stunt of turning up late to sign the treaty etc infact I cannot think of one positive headline he has received since becoming PM. But its’ too late to get rid of him, they need to change their policies and as Nick Robinson reported there is even disagreement about how they should go about that.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 11:16 AMgram
So your point is that labour backbenchers should have said nothing about the 10p farce as staying in power is more important than principle.
No, my point is that principle without power with useless. Pragmatism is required as well as principle.
They got a concession on the 10p tax rate, but if Labour are out of government Labour backbencher’s power to secure further concessions is nil. Sometimes mistakes are made, you have to hold your tongue and suck it up and play the longer game. The electorate do not like split parties. There were plenty of ways to make their displeasure heard behind closed downs and get a promise that something would be done at the next budget.
There are a section in all parties that would rather than be right than in power. They tend to be heard less when the inevitable result of pursuing this is felt for a prolonged period.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 11:28 AMkensei:They got a concession on the 10p tax rate, but if Labour are out of government Labour backbencher’s power to secure further concessions is nil. Sometimes mistakes are made, you have to hold your tongue and suck it up and play the longer game. <<
The polls were already a mess for Brown before the 10p issue was raised.
Some issues are fundamental and go against what the Labour party is suposed to stand for that holding your tounge for many mps isn’t an option.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 11:45 AMRespect are up a seat and the BNP are up 13.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 01:15 PMDewi: this morning’s Metro has an exit poll calling it for Ken, but pretty much every other media outlet has called it the other way. And Paddy Power are already paying out for a Boris win:
http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91211-1314824,00.htmlPosted by on May 02, 2008 @ 01:22 PMDC
“In hot pursuit of Gordon Brown is Mr Varney, who has been uttering similar tones about lowering min wage, which if I saw him now in my current state I would not think twice about putting my fist through his face.”
First of all, it’s Sir David Varney.
As for the rest of your post, I wonder if you really wanted to hit the submit box? I appreciate that times are tough but they are much tougher after a spell in Magahberry followed by unemployability due to a criminal record.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 01:37 PMThe rise of the BNP in these rsults has not been overly commented on but of all the parties they have seen the greatest live 33 seats up from 21 - an amazing 57% increase.
Without proper analysis it’s hard to judge but as traditionally the far right gains support from the disillusioned left, the collapse of labour in their heartlands may have a more profound affect than some might wish to admit.
This sort of rise should not be ignored.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 02:05 PMAww bless, thanks Bonar for your concern x
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 02:17 PMDC
although you might get into the Felons’ Club…
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 02:21 PMThe only good news for Labour is a Boris victory.
The economic situation is indeed looking grimmer by the day. But the assembly gravy train puffs on regardless, useless, impotent, pompous grandstanding. That 7 billion subsidy is the (white) elephant in the long room at Stormont.
If the situation continues in England the possibility of BNP piggybacking on alienation and resentment is worrying.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 02:45 PM*I find Cameroon to be the most plastic-y and insincere politicians I’ve ever seen.*
(cough)Tony Blair?(cough)
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 03:24 PMHarry
I think that can be levelled at early Blair—there is one of his early speeches as Labour leader in my 20th Century speeches book, and it’s more vapid and soundbitey than you can possibly imagine. But I think even then he was not as bad (and certainly didn’t come up with stuff as naff as “hug a hoodie” or “let sunshine win the day") and that he shed a great deal of it fairly quickly.
I think his “The kaleidoscope has been shaken” was a fairly decent piece of oratory, and suggested something more than simply spin. I have yet to see any evidence of anything real for Cameron.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 03:33 PMDon’t like Cameron myself, too waffly, always thought of him as Blair Mk 2, but then maybe he’s what the Conservatives need.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 05:20 PMGordon Brown will be gone soon!
“Interpreting the next verses gives a timescale for the fulfilment of the prophecies. “The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. They are also seven kings,” (Rev 17:9). The seven hills symbolise Rome, built on seven hills, so the author of Revelation is attacking the Roman Empire. The comparable empire in our context and era is the British Empire and the city comparable to Rome is London. So the seven kings come from London.
Adams to go under Gordon Brown
“Those kings are described as “Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come” (Rev 17:10). Coincidentally during the Troubles, the Troubles being the key timeframe, five London PMs have fallen: Wilson, Heath, Callaghan, Thatcher, and Major. “One is,” or the sixth PM, must refer to Tony Blair under whom much of the changes to the North took place. Of course, the meaning of “one is” must be further interpreted as meaning that Blair was undefeated when he left office and therefore hadn’t “fallen”. The other five leaders have “fallen”. The seventh king who has not yet come is remarked: “…but when he does come he must remain for a little while” (Rev 17:10). I think that this must refer to Gordon Brown who won’t be PM for long by this account.
“The fact that Blair is referred to as “one is” demonstrates that the major prophecies occur under his rule while he “is”. But the whole sequence of verses, ante-ceded with the proviso, “This calls for a mind with wisdom,” (Rev 17: 9), making them the most mysterious verses in the Book of Revelation, also signals that the whole framework will have outworked itself by the time of the seventh king, “who has not yet come, but when he does come he must remain for a little while”. So when Gordon Brown, the seventh king, stops being PM, which won’t be long according to the prophecies, Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams will be disgraced and in turmoil, or “thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulphur” (Rev 19:20). The intriguing question is what happens under Gordon Brown that leads to this outcome.
For more click on my name.
Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 06:47 PMFrom Wales - first column is gains / losses in councillors. Second is number of councilors. Great day for Plaid. If Checkov is about he can eat humble pie.
LAB -122 344 -6 2
CON 62 173 1 2
PC 33 207 -1 0
LD 21 162 0 0
OTH 6 378 0 0
NOC - - 6 18Posted by on May 02, 2008 @ 09:31 PM
