‘Keir Starmer’s task – and it won’t be easy – is to translate perfectly good individual policies into a story about what the government is doing’, the former Home Secretary David Blunkett writes
Much has been spoken and written since the result of the Gorton and Denton by-election in Greater Manchester, resulting in the Green Party taking this northern heartland seat from Labour. There is no point in pretending that it wasn’t a calamity. As I have done on so many political occasions in the past, I woke up 10 minutes before the result was announced, and listened to the speech of Hannah Spencer, the victorious candidate.
As other Labour members have reflected, it reminded me of my own victory speech way back in 1987 when I first won Sheffield Brightside. My immediate reaction was: “I agree with just about everything up to the point where she advocated people joining and voting Green“!
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READ MORE: Keir Starmer ‘wake up call’ as Labour reels after nightmare by-election lossREAD MORE: Fury and jubilation as Gorton and Denton voters react: ‘Westminster is laughing at us’
The problem for me back in 1987, and for Hannah Spencer today, is a simple one. My aspirations, the people I wanted to liberate from poverty, poor education and from a lousy health service could only be helped once I got into government. Those years I’m proud of, and in the months and years before the next general election, I want to be proud again of a Labour government delivering to those I care about. The problem for the Greens – who can say whatever they like; who can appeal to whoever they wish – is that only in fairyland are they likely to be in government. Keir Starmer’s task – and it won’t be easy – is to translate perfectly good individual policies into a story about what the government is doing, will do and how it can be felt to have changed the lives of people on the ground. With inflation falling, interest rates falling, and gradually spending on critical services increasing, it is vital to create hope and the “feel good” factor. The prime minister is acknowledged to have achieved a great deal on the international stage, including defence and security, and the navigation of Donald Trump’s constant changes on trade. Replicating success abroad with delivery at home is the crucial element that can gradually turn things around. Putting a rocket booster under the civil service, empowering ministers to speak broadly about the future of government without fearing they pose a leadership bid is vital. It has been done before, and it can be done again,
That is why a steady nerve, a clear understanding that emotion and not logic is the order of the day in current politics, must underpin reflections in the hierarchy of my Party. In the end, I know (and we must persuade the electorate to appreciate) that it is only – with all its challenges and past mistakes – a Labour government that can deliver.
‘Crazy start to the year’
The first eight weeks of this year have been crazy. Internationally, the president of Venezuela and his wife were literally airlifted out by the Americans. Donald Trump threatened to send troops to take over Greenland. And now the US and Israel have attacked Iran. Domestically, we have experienced the backwash of the Jeffrey Epstein affair, both in terms of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson.
The coverage in broadcast, print and social media has bordered on hysteria. Anyone who has had a photograph or correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell are somehow “suspects”. The real truth and horror then gets lost. This is about the sexual exploitation of young women. It’s about the passing of information from those in a privileged position to the rich and powerful. It is, in essence, about “betrayal”. Let us concentrate on what really matters.
‘I failed to convince Atlee to defect’
Last Thursday, Earl Attlee retired from the House of Lords.
He is the grandson of the famous Clem Attlee, Labour Prime Minister from 1945-1951 and Deputy to Winston Churchill during the Second World War. I got to know him over the 10 years I have been in the Lords, and did my best to persuade him to cross the floor – because this Earl Attlee sat as a Conservative. Sadly, I failed.
‘Spare a thought for Sheffield Wednesday’
I am sure all avid football supporters will spare a thought this weekend for my beleaguered team, Sheffield Wednesday.
In administration, massive points deduction by the English Football League, already relegated and without an owner.
Yet still, the fans are there, giving moral support to the small, committed squad, the manager and the beloved Club.