stevo

Good luck with the op-NHS at its usual best...........

Call me Dave and Nick Who="The Odd Couple"

Better get back to our constituancies and make ready for power!!!

leftback

Seems to be a history gap with some of the posts bemoaning spin doctors, unions etc. "Spin doctors" made sure the overtly right wing media ran with the real stories, not tory propoganda, preparing the way for a labour victory in 97. It may have gone tats up, but it helped deliver a good run for the progressive left that brought better schools, hospitals, min wage etc. Secondly, it was the unions that formed the ILP back on the day, and without them we would be a nation of cap doffing paupers.

None of the current contenders for the leadership float my boat, thats where I agree with a lot of the posts. Medhi Hasan on question time last night was the kind of leader we need, a real alternative to the majority of those in power. He knew his history, was articulate and ruthless, connected at every level. Need more like that in the party

kathy

OK so why did I not vote Labour? Eeven though I had for years and being working class I grew up with my Mum telling me Labour are the working class champions. Well I do not think they are now or have been for a long time. The trouble with the pro Labour bloggers and yourself is you all come across as being so agressive. If someone doesn't agree with you they are wrong, you never admit it is you. Peter Mandelson, Alistair Campbell,Charlie Whelan., Ed Balls and the two Millibands all just remind me of sleaze, deceit, lies, corruption and between you all you have caused the desecretaion of the once proud Labour Pary. You need a new face at the top, dump all the spin doctors, bullies and hangers on who have discredited Labour. Start listening to people, if they have concerns about immigration that does not make them bigots, listen to what they say and learn. This does not mean persecuting minorities. Listen when people who work hard get annoyed about supporting layabouts who have never worked in their lives. This does not mean not helping the poor and those in genuine need or those genuinely trying to get a job. You need to tackle the benefits culture, it is wrong that people benefit more from staying at home than working. Finally have some dignity, be good losers instead of this vitriolic bile that you all keep spouting and give this coalition a chance, it is not the best solution, but it is the only one we have. Yes, be a strong voice in opposition, fight for peoples rights, but you need to earn the respect again of those who have deserted Labour before we come back and think you are worth voting for again.

chris

Trust and respect are two important features of a personal and a national psyche.We didn't trust or respect all of new labour's people/politicians- but they were voted in.
No-one can surely trust the Lib dems or respect them now. They have been seduced by Cameron -they have betrayed the nation and now seek to prop themselves up with a 55% change to a vote of no confidence. Labour were right not to go with them.Cameron will ditch them perhaps- or keep them fawning in the Rose garden for as long as convenient

tom wiley

s chapman2010-05-14 10:14:40 Us Tories have done some crying over the years so respect to you AC - some honesty for once...but dont you agree GB and certainly his wife must have been so relieved it was all over....and some of your supporters
I have blogged on here many times that you should have re-grouped around a new leader before the election and plan in opposition to re-invent New Labour, now your hand has been forced and you are certain to rush into a new Leader and pick the wrong one.
By the way dont you think spin should give it a rest now...new dawn and all that or at least try ??

Gary Steadman2010-05-14 10:03:35 Two comments if I may.

First that although I do not share the same shade of position that you have on the left, even though we both might be classified as such, I do appreciate your astute political skills and ability. The latter clearly being shown with regard to the media in the way you openly deal with often appalingly poor quality of political interviewers and commentators, often on live TV.

Second that in all the fuss being made of the coalition, one key area seems to be being ignored, namely that the Labour Party's vote held up only because Old Labour voters remained loyal in its traditional heartlands. Now I for one at least would like your own opinion on that fact, expecially in regard to how the Labour Party moves forward over the next few years.

How do those like yourself who are the present heart and soul of the Party see this strange relationship between new and old Labour, as expressed in the election results?

Thanks.

David Hendrix2010-05-14 09:28:58 A simple thank you to you Alastair for all that you did - and for all that you will do in the future. Given what we faced in 1994 (and alas still face) your contributions were considerable and of major significance.

BgF2010-05-14 08:41:22 Oh Alistair, I'm such a fan of yours, but then you go and promote your new book in such a tacky way (get onto Amazon while stocks last).
Please don't be so generous to your detractors.

Baig2010-05-14 05:52:05 The pictures confirm what I thought of Gordon Brown coming up to the days of the election. A slap on the face of the media that was out to get him!

Baig2010-05-14 05:49:31 I think he was the best PM we have had for years. That may be different than the best politician. This is because he was truly a man of substance. Most of the ground-breaking new labour policies to make Britian fairer were constructed by him. Because he lacked the political shrewdness compared to TB is what made me like him, it gave a more genuine feel to his personality (something that lacked in TB).

He may have not been the media's favourite and their savage campaign against him made me align myself closer to him as I felt politics was being judged by the wrong critera. He worked for the normal resident of this country and reflecting I can see how he was not in it for the cameras or the prestige of the title. Every other politician normally goes in it for these reasons alone.

He was the Labour I wanted as from what we see he did not seem to have the imperialist ambitions which was what put me off Tony Blair. It was so refreshing to see his first speech as PM free from the George Bush nomenclature!

Labour may come back but Gordon will not, the country will soon regret this (especially after seeing Romeo and Juliet rolling around on the gardens of Downing Street)

James Nye2010-05-14 04:57:05 I would like to thank you for your your concise and explanatory blog and tweets during this election. It may or may not be relevant, but I am not a Labour supporter. However, your insights as part of the inner election team were so very interesting to me during the past two months or so. I will continue to follow your blog and look forward to your prickly views and alternative opinions over the coming months. Thanks again for a privileged peek inside the inner workings of government. Especially your blog today (13th May). To have the colour in words that goes with the Guardians pics was great. Thanks

Graham Jones2010-05-14 02:49:10 I can't believe the utter twaddle we have to endure on 'This Week'. If Andrew Neils editorialising isn't enough, then the flirting with Dianne Abbot is enough to make you hurl. Now I like Diane, but she isn't exactly a great defender of the Labour Party. Tonight up pops Billy Bragg trying to DEFEND, YES DEFEND, the Lib-dems betrayal of everyone who voted for them, not to mention their values, and she fails to mention the contradictions and deceptions of this pact. Then Billy ponders that this may be a step forward for British democracy. Has he even bothered to stop and look, at what the Lib-dems have had to give up for a slither of power? And has he bothered to stop and look at the people who are in the key areas of government? - they're all tories. And has he bothered to look at the disgusting opinions held by many in the tory ranks of the cabinet? And has he stopped to consider, what they are about to do to the economy? I'm afraid he has bought the spin, hook, line and sinker, pouring out of Sky, the BBC and all other tory press stooges,still with a breath in their lungs. It's interesting to note that Old Brillo has stopped referring to the PM as 'our great leader', that term was obviously saved for a Labour leader, or Gordon Brown in particular. Worst of all, was Portillo crowing about how Cameron, was a great strategist in the end game. Hello? The man with the fake face and air-brushed policies, who blew a 20 point lead in the polls, had the largest war chest in history, and the media helping him at every turn, who couldn't defeat a labour government of 13 years with an unpopular war and economic crisis under their belts! This is the master stratagist? The man who is now squatting in No 10, waiting to be removed by a legitimate leader?
He's not the Prime Minister, he's the running-out -of -time minister! Let's keep reminding him of this.

Pat2010-05-14 02:20:01 Thanks for the blog!
The whole progresive nation thing is due to you guys.
It used to be One-Nation Tory... Now it's a Lib/Con thing.
You should be proud.
And anyway, they won't last long..

Djunfitforwork2010-05-13 23:42:01 I see one of the suggestions is to "Talk to non-Labour voters in the Suburbs and Home Counties about "Welfare and Immigration". I'm sure that will prove to be a very enlightened and "progressive" interchange -Jesus!

I have no favorite candidate for the leadership -but David Milliband didn't show much class steaming in like that before GBs Pickfords van had even reached the M6.

I'd rather compromise on the "person you could have a pint with" factor -than seeing any further immigrant bashing or harrassment of the lumpen-proletariat -and hence hope that some less "hackish" candidates come forward. Shame that Yvette Cooper is not going for it -and I hope that Ed Milliband joins the fray -both score high on the "normality" factor -and seem pretty chilled out -which might be nice. Just sayin

Richard2010-05-13 23:21:12 Very poignant post Alastair (if I may) and the photos, while giving an insight into the last hours of the administration, mainly show the relief on Gordon Brown’s face that it is all over at last. I completely agree that he behaved with courage and dignity over the last few days, but it's sad that his behaviour hitherto was less than exemplary. I'm sure he’s a very decent and hard-working man, and his work on big issues such as cancellation of third world debt should never be overlooked. But on domestic politics, given his conniving to remove TB, his attempts to replace the popular and competent Alistair Darling with the vile Ed Balls, the nonsense over the election that never was, it’s no wonder the population didn’t really trust him when the time came to choose.

It’s quite possible that the mass desertion of Labour by the media didn’t help Labour’s cause, but who knows if they were creating or following the trend? It doesn't really matter anyway: the media was very pro-Labour for a long time, so I guess it's tit for tat. What’s important is for Labour to find out why the electorate felt they deserved the kicking they got and to do something about it so they're ready with something positive to say in five years time.

I don't know about others, but for me, it’s just been the sheer waste that Labour has put up with for years, admittedly trying to do the right thing, but masking the waste by increasing the budgets. The billions pissed away in ludicrous IT schemes, quangoes, targets, half-assed initiatives and lord knows what else. Maybe the Tories will screw up, maybe they won’t. Maybe they’ll cause real suffering amongst those who least deserve/can afford it, maybe they won’t. But the British people weighed up the odds between their knowledge of the last thirteen years of Labour and the folk memory of the previous Tory terms, and have taken a calculated gamble on the ConLib coalition being on the whole less bad than 4-5 more years of Labour. If Labour is honest with itself, it won’t blame them.

Amy2010-05-13 23:16:44 Alaistair,
On your website you call yourself a communicator, I think you missed the point......communicating is a two way affair. Not one, as demonstrated by you in your interview with Adam Boulton. Common courtesy costs nothing and in times of pressure to stay polite above all else shows far greater power than getting the last word.
Yourd sincerely
Amy

Mike Horne2010-05-13 22:57:24 Hi Alistair

I watched the electoral events unfold from Abu Dhabi, where I'm currently workimg. I was so incensed by Adam Boulton's (and to some extent Kay Burley's) reporting and interviews with key players that I emailed Sky News with my comments and complaints.

I felt that Boulton clearly had a bias towards cameron that I thought was not in keeping with TV broadcasting where I thought impartiality was a key element in a General election. It isn't their role to influence the voting public but Boulton took unprofessionalism to another plain.

I was encouraged that I wasn't out of kilter when I saw your billiant put down of a man who has now ran his course as a serious political pundit. The way you dragged the idiot into a position where he showed his true colours, as Cameron's secret love child,was brilliant viewing.

I thought Sky would hopefully show him the door but then I realised that Murdoch control Sky, therefore the gutter element of the tabloids will manifest themselves in the way Sky news delivers its product.

Thanks for that interview it made my day.

Mike

kathy2010-05-13 22:43:46 I must admit the first time Gordon Brown seemed really human was when he walked away from Downing Street with his wife and boys. Maybe he was wrong to keep them out of the limelight. He always appeared robotic-like to me droning on with facts and figures repeating the same well-worn mantras which my brain would switch off from in minutes. I thought between you and Peter Mandelson you conspired to complete his humiliation with the stunt you pulled offering talks to Lib/Dems and him staying on until September. It really made him look desperate. Your words about him are sentimental and all very fine but I suspect your diaries will throw up a very different version of Gordon Brown as you seek once again to capitalise on your New Labour Years. I notice that when you quote occasions that brought you to tears you did not mention the death of Dr Kelly. But then admitting guilt was never a New Labour strong point was it? Well your book will definitely be on my shopping list I never read fiction.

somewifie2010-05-13 21:44:03 I undertook to send you fan mail for the Boulton thing - so this is it. Possibly the only piece of fan mail I have produced since I was 12. Well done you! I don't normally watch Murdoch rubbish, but it was the first channel we found with the breaking news. We were cheering like football fans. Go Alistair! I hope you will continue to use your outstanding communication skills for the benefit of the labour party. PIty we cannot have you as leader...

Colin Hooper2010-05-13 21:08:50 Well done Alastair
I lived and worked in the thatcher years, New labour was a breath of fresh air (and still is) Bolton and his Sky paymasters have changed over the last 18 Months From being Impartial To Pro Cameron, He got upset, You held your nerve. Well done!

Cass2010-05-13 20:30:47 I've been so maddened by the tory toads masquerading as political commentators that I had to stop watching a lot of the coverage, I've never heard such blatant hysterical rubbish. So I would like to say thank you Alastair for your insight, wisdom and (best of all) the professional and calm way you showed up the biggest one of all - that was priceless.


Simon Gitttins2010-05-13 20:22:10 What a sad lot you are on here, you lost, badly, get over it. Blaming the 'Tory press' is pathetic, it's the same press that was a significsnt factor in getting Labour elected in '97 and supported them over much of the last 13 years.
You lost because the electorate had had enough of the lies and incompetence. The reality is, if it wasn't for Scotland and parts of northern England where most voters would put a tick in the Labour candidates box if they happened to be a monkey wearing a red rosette you would of been obliterated.
Until the Labour party moves on, stops whining and sniping and attempts to understands why it became so unpopular they will remain on the opposition benches.
A good start would be to stop listening to the likes of Campbell and Mandelson.

Gordon Mclean2010-05-13 19:25:19 Alastair,

I am writing to you from Edinburgh where I voted in the most marginal seat in the country. There were only 302 votes here between Labour and the Lib Dem guy.

I grew up in one of the most deprived areas of the UK, and John Smith was the MP for the area in which I spent the first 17 years of my life. I am the only guy from my primary class not in jail for murder or drug dealing. Instead, I got a 1st Class Honours Degree in International Media from Goldsmiths a few years ago - you were the inspiration for my walking out of a degree in Theortical Physics to follow my true love.

My point is this, I don't understand how you can be so staunchly Labour on everything. John Smith lived in a mansion in Morningside, the most affluent area of the UK where I now also live, and yet came to my school to tell us about inequality.

I have been a Liberal Democrat from the age of 13. Using Thatcher as my constant inspiration and guide, I got up off my backside and got a paper run to buy my own textbooks for high school where I had to teach myself my Highers. I have never gotten over the fact that Tony Blair kept going on about Education, Education, Education when I had to buy my own books.



Peter Greenhill2010-05-13 19:03:47 I left the Labour Party in 1992 but am about to join again.

Louise2010-05-13 18:45:23 I shed tears galore at GB's departure, I think the progressive social change we would have seen in another term with GB would have seen all the GB despisers changing opinion, such a shame that the man never got the opportunity. I believe hat he was hounded from the offset by the right wing bigoted media and, sorry Alastair but the Blair camp too.
As for yesterday's conference, when the press reported that just in time for the conference the clouds parted, the sun came out and the birds were singing in the rose garden of Number 10, having been preceded the eve before by a rainbow appearing as Cameron drove from the Palace to Downing Street, I half expected Cameron and Clegg to descend on a cloud of glory with angels trumpeting the arrival of the new Messiah.
Let's get to work and roll on the next election.



Beth2010-05-13 18:30:03 I very strongly support Olli's postscript. Those at the head of the Labour Party need to appreciate the extent to which the New Labour project came to alienate not just traditional white working class voters, but many middle-class liberal lefties like myself (and there are plenty of us), who still believe passionately in the fundamentals of the Labour movement. Now is the moment for the party to dig very deep indeed- and to have the courage to seize the opportunity which still exists in the monumental failure we have recently witnessed in what came to be seen as the orthodoxy of neolib economics. There ARE alternatives, goddamnit! Let us take what is progressive and bold from the Lib Dem manifesto and throw it back at them as they lie in the Tory bed. Let's remember that government can be a force for ill, as well as for good; that our civil liberties are precious and that many feel New Labour trampled on them naively and arrogantly. Let us speak more honestly about the economic realities of immigration, even where we risk sounding *soft*, and engage more truthfully with the harsh economic circumstances which help sustain bigotry and intolerance of otherness. Let us talk tough on poverty only where the object is poverty itself, not poor people; and be more honest about the revolving door of our prison system. And for god's sake let's realise that ordinary folk still respect straight-talking- even when it isn't what they want to hear; that the Murdoch press is NOT the people. No more empty populism, please. Let's make 'ideology' (not just 'what(ever) works') a respectable word again.

Howard Green2010-05-13 17:35:29 Having just watched your recent interview with Adam Bolton (the one on the evening of the election, not the one where he lost the plot outside our great houses of parliament) i just wanted you to know that there is a great number of people who agree with you about the Murdoch rabble trying to influence the way we vote. I was actually a conservative before this election but these personal attacks on Gordon Brown along with the slimey way the con party would do anything to get power has made me now tick the Labour box, who is think have come out of this election with their head held high. Long may straight talking honest men like you have an influence in the Labour my new party of choice. Best.

allybob2010-05-13 17:33:28 Alastair - those pictures are heartbreaking - especially the one of Gordon taking phone call with the boys handy artwork on the wall. My 12 yr old was out with me too delivering leaflets and is well upset - his old school got an AppleMac suite thanks to G distributing the cash where its needed most. Can't stand watching/reading media right now as other contributor mentioned. They have been reprehensible, please answer my q from other day, why did the BBC capitulate with the tidal wave of bias - they have nothing to gain from Murdocheron land.
Please explain. all the best old chap.

Gregor Miller2010-05-13 17:28:18 I have been in the US since GB resignation and home today to watch the dignity of his speech with his family on SKY+, quickly followed by YouTube to see you hold your cool as Adam Boulton goes into meltdown. Great performance under great pressure from you and GB. When are you next on with Boulton?

Alan Hardwick2010-05-13 16:47:37 Alastair is the new Cabinet Minister Without Portfolio,Baroness Warsi, paid a salary?
If so,does this mean the State is coughing up her salary as Conservative Party chairperson. If so an early example of Tory/Lib Dem Government sleaze.
---------------------------------------------------------
no baroness warsi is not being paid a salary.....i trust then you will retract your comment about goverment sleaze?

s chapman

Us Tories have done some crying over the years so respect to you AC - some honesty for once...but dont you agree GB and certainly his wife must have been so relieved it was all over....and some of your supporters
I have blogged on here many times that you should have re-grouped around a new leader before the election and plan in opposition to re-invent New Labour, now your hand has been forced and you are certain to rush into a new Leader and pick the wrong one.
By the way dont you think spin should give it a rest now...new dawn and all that or at least try ??

Gary Steadman

Two comments if I may.

First that although I do not share the same shade of position that you have on the left, even though we both might be classified as such, I do appreciate your astute political skills and ability. The latter clearly being shown with regard to the media in the way you openly deal with often appalingly poor quality of political interviewers and commentators, often on live TV.

Second that in all the fuss being made of the coalition, one key area seems to be being ignored, namely that the Labour Party's vote held up only because Old Labour voters remained loyal in its traditional heartlands. Now I for one at least would like your own opinion on that fact, expecially in regard to how the Labour Party moves forward over the next few years.

How do those like yourself who are the present heart and soul of the Party see this strange relationship between new and old Labour, as expressed in the election results?

Thanks.

David Hendrix

A simple thank you to you Alastair for all that you did - and for all that you will do in the future. Given what we faced in 1994 (and alas still face) your contributions were considerable and of major significance.

BgF

Oh Alistair, I'm such a fan of yours, but then you go and promote your new book in such a tacky way (get onto Amazon while stocks last).
Please don't be so generous to your detractors.

Baig

The pictures confirm what I thought of Gordon Brown coming up to the days of the election. A slap on the face of the media that was out to get him!

Baig

I think he was the best PM we have had for years. That may be different than the best politician. This is because he was truly a man of substance. Most of the ground-breaking new labour policies to make Britian fairer were constructed by him. Because he lacked the political shrewdness compared to TB is what made me like him, it gave a more genuine feel to his personality (something that lacked in TB).

He may have not been the media's favourite and their savage campaign against him made me align myself closer to him as I felt politics was being judged by the wrong critera. He worked for the normal resident of this country and reflecting I can see how he was not in it for the cameras or the prestige of the title. Every other politician normally goes in it for these reasons alone.

He was the Labour I wanted as from what we see he did not seem to have the imperialist ambitions which was what put me off Tony Blair. It was so refreshing to see his first speech as PM free from the George Bush nomenclature!

Labour may come back but Gordon will not, the country will soon regret this (especially after seeing Romeo and Juliet rolling around on the gardens of Downing Street)

James Nye

I would like to thank you for your your concise and explanatory blog and tweets during this election. It may or may not be relevant, but I am not a Labour supporter. However, your insights as part of the inner election team were so very interesting to me during the past two months or so. I will continue to follow your blog and look forward to your prickly views and alternative opinions over the coming months. Thanks again for a privileged peek inside the inner workings of government. Especially your blog today (13th May). To have the colour in words that goes with the Guardians pics was great. Thanks

Graham Jones

I can't believe the utter twaddle we have to endure on 'This Week'. If Andrew Neils editorialising isn't enough, then the flirting with Dianne Abbot is enough to make you hurl. Now I like Diane, but she isn't exactly a great defender of the Labour Party. Tonight up pops Billy Bragg trying to DEFEND, YES DEFEND, the Lib-dems betrayal of everyone who voted for them, not to mention their values, and she fails to mention the contradictions and deceptions of this pact. Then Billy ponders that this may be a step forward for British democracy. Has he even bothered to stop and look, at what the Lib-dems have had to give up for a slither of power? And has he bothered to stop and look at the people who are in the key areas of government? - they're all tories. And has he bothered to look at the disgusting opinions held by many in the tory ranks of the cabinet? And has he stopped to consider, what they are about to do to the economy? I'm afraid he has bought the spin, hook, line and sinker, pouring out of Sky, the BBC and all other tory press stooges,still with a breath in their lungs. It's interesting to note that Old Brillo has stopped referring to the PM as 'our great leader', that term was obviously saved for a Labour leader, or Gordon Brown in particular. Worst of all, was Portillo crowing about how Cameron, was a great strategist in the end game. Hello? The man with the fake face and air-brushed policies, who blew a 20 point lead in the polls, had the largest war chest in history, and the media helping him at every turn, who couldn't defeat a labour government of 13 years with an unpopular war and economic crisis under their belts! This is the master stratagist? The man who is now squatting in No 10, waiting to be removed by a legitimate leader?
He's not the Prime Minister, he's the running-out -of -time minister! Let's keep reminding him of this.

Pat

Thanks for the blog!
The whole progresive nation thing is due to you guys.
It used to be One-Nation Tory... Now it's a Lib/Con thing.
You should be proud.
And anyway, they won't last long..

Djunfitforwork

I see one of the suggestions is to "Talk to non-Labour voters in the Suburbs and Home Counties about "Welfare and Immigration". I'm sure that will prove to be a very enlightened and "progressive" interchange -Jesus!

I have no favorite candidate for the leadership -but David Milliband didn't show much class steaming in like that before GBs Pickfords van had even reached the M6.

I'd rather compromise on the "person you could have a pint with" factor -than seeing any further immigrant bashing or harrassment of the lumpen-proletariat -and hence hope that some less "hackish" candidates come forward. Shame that Yvette Cooper is not going for it -and I hope that Ed Milliband joins the fray -both score high on the "normality" factor -and seem pretty chilled out -which might be nice. Just sayin

Richard

Very poignant post Alastair (if I may) and the photos, while giving an insight into the last hours of the administration, mainly show the relief on Gordon Brown’s face that it is all over at last. I completely agree that he behaved with courage and dignity over the last few days, but it's sad that his behaviour hitherto was less than exemplary. I'm sure he’s a very decent and hard-working man, and his work on big issues such as cancellation of third world debt should never be overlooked. But on domestic politics, given his conniving to remove TB, his attempts to replace the popular and competent Alistair Darling with the vile Ed Balls, the nonsense over the election that never was, it’s no wonder the population didn’t really trust him when the time came to choose.

It’s quite possible that the mass desertion of Labour by the media didn’t help Labour’s cause, but who knows if they were creating or following the trend? It doesn't really matter anyway: the media was very pro-Labour for a long time, so I guess it's tit for tat. What’s important is for Labour to find out why the electorate felt they deserved the kicking they got and to do something about it so they're ready with something positive to say in five years time.

I don't know about others, but for me, it’s just been the sheer waste that Labour has put up with for years, admittedly trying to do the right thing, but masking the waste by increasing the budgets. The billions pissed away in ludicrous IT schemes, quangoes, targets, half-assed initiatives and lord knows what else. Maybe the Tories will screw up, maybe they won’t. Maybe they’ll cause real suffering amongst those who least deserve/can afford it, maybe they won’t. But the British people weighed up the odds between their knowledge of the last thirteen years of Labour and the folk memory of the previous Tory terms, and have taken a calculated gamble on the ConLib coalition being on the whole less bad than 4-5 more years of Labour. If Labour is honest with itself, it won’t blame them.

Amy

Alaistair,
On your website you call yourself a communicator, I think you missed the point......communicating is a two way affair. Not one, as demonstrated by you in your interview with Adam Boulton. Common courtesy costs nothing and in times of pressure to stay polite above all else shows far greater power than getting the last word.
Yourd sincerely
Amy

Mike Horne

Hi Alistair

I watched the electoral events unfold from Abu Dhabi, where I'm currently workimg. I was so incensed by Adam Boulton's (and to some extent Kay Burley's) reporting and interviews with key players that I emailed Sky News with my comments and complaints.

I felt that Boulton clearly had a bias towards cameron that I thought was not in keeping with TV broadcasting where I thought impartiality was a key element in a General election. It isn't their role to influence the voting public but Boulton took unprofessionalism to another plain.

I was encouraged that I wasn't out of kilter when I saw your billiant put down of a man who has now ran his course as a serious political pundit. The way you dragged the idiot into a position where he showed his true colours, as Cameron's secret love child,was brilliant viewing.

I thought Sky would hopefully show him the door but then I realised that Murdoch control Sky, therefore the gutter element of the tabloids will manifest themselves in the way Sky news delivers its product.

Thanks for that interview it made my day.

Mike

kathy

I must admit the first time Gordon Brown seemed really human was when he walked away from Downing Street with his wife and boys. Maybe he was wrong to keep them out of the limelight. He always appeared robotic-like to me droning on with facts and figures repeating the same well-worn mantras which my brain would switch off from in minutes. I thought between you and Peter Mandelson you conspired to complete his humiliation with the stunt you pulled offering talks to Lib/Dems and him staying on until September. It really made him look desperate. Your words about him are sentimental and all very fine but I suspect your diaries will throw up a very different version of Gordon Brown as you seek once again to capitalise on your New Labour Years. I notice that when you quote occasions that brought you to tears you did not mention the death of Dr Kelly. But then admitting guilt was never a New Labour strong point was it? Well your book will definitely be on my shopping list I never read fiction.

somewifie

I undertook to send you fan mail for the Boulton thing - so this is it. Possibly the only piece of fan mail I have produced since I was 12. Well done you! I don't normally watch Murdoch rubbish, but it was the first channel we found with the breaking news. We were cheering like football fans. Go Alistair! I hope you will continue to use your outstanding communication skills for the benefit of the labour party. PIty we cannot have you as leader...

Colin Hooper

Well done Alastair
I lived and worked in the thatcher years, New labour was a breath of fresh air (and still is) Bolton and his Sky paymasters have changed over the last 18 Months From being Impartial To Pro Cameron, He got upset, You held your nerve. Well done!

Cass

I've been so maddened by the tory toads masquerading as political commentators that I had to stop watching a lot of the coverage, I've never heard such blatant hysterical rubbish. So I would like to say thank you Alastair for your insight, wisdom and (best of all) the professional and calm way you showed up the biggest one of all - that was priceless.

Simon Gitttins

What a sad lot you are on here, you lost, badly, get over it. Blaming the 'Tory press' is pathetic, it's the same press that was a significsnt factor in getting Labour elected in '97 and supported them over much of the last 13 years.
You lost because the electorate had had enough of the lies and incompetence. The reality is, if it wasn't for Scotland and parts of northern England where most voters would put a tick in the Labour candidates box if they happened to be a monkey wearing a red rosette you would of been obliterated.
Until the Labour party moves on, stops whining and sniping and attempts to understands why it became so unpopular they will remain on the opposition benches.
A good start would be to stop listening to the likes of Campbell and Mandelson.

Gordon Mclean

Alastair,

I am writing to you from Edinburgh where I voted in the most marginal seat in the country. There were only 302 votes here between Labour and the Lib Dem guy.

I grew up in one of the most deprived areas of the UK, and John Smith was the MP for the area in which I spent the first 17 years of my life. I am the only guy from my primary class not in jail for murder or drug dealing. Instead, I got a 1st Class Honours Degree in International Media from Goldsmiths a few years ago - you were the inspiration for my walking out of a degree in Theortical Physics to follow my true love.

My point is this, I don't understand how you can be so staunchly Labour on everything. John Smith lived in a mansion in Morningside, the most affluent area of the UK where I now also live, and yet came to my school to tell us about inequality.

I have been a Liberal Democrat from the age of 13. Using Thatcher as my constant inspiration and guide, I got up off my backside and got a paper run to buy my own textbooks for high school where I had to teach myself my Highers. I have never gotten over the fact that Tony Blair kept going on about Education, Education, Education when I had to buy my own books.

Peter Greenhill

I left the Labour Party in 1992 but am about to join again.

Louise

I shed tears galore at GB's departure, I think the progressive social change we would have seen in another term with GB would have seen all the GB despisers changing opinion, such a shame that the man never got the opportunity. I believe hat he was hounded from the offset by the right wing bigoted media and, sorry Alastair but the Blair camp too.
As for yesterday's conference, when the press reported that just in time for the conference the clouds parted, the sun came out and the birds were singing in the rose garden of Number 10, having been preceded the eve before by a rainbow appearing as Cameron drove from the Palace to Downing Street, I half expected Cameron and Clegg to descend on a cloud of glory with angels trumpeting the arrival of the new Messiah.
Let's get to work and roll on the next election.

Beth

I very strongly support Olli's postscript. Those at the head of the Labour Party need to appreciate the extent to which the New Labour project came to alienate not just traditional white working class voters, but many middle-class liberal lefties like myself (and there are plenty of us), who still believe passionately in the fundamentals of the Labour movement. Now is the moment for the party to dig very deep indeed- and to have the courage to seize the opportunity which still exists in the monumental failure we have recently witnessed in what came to be seen as the orthodoxy of neolib economics. There ARE alternatives, goddamnit! Let us take what is progressive and bold from the Lib Dem manifesto and throw it back at them as they lie in the Tory bed. Let's remember that government can be a force for ill, as well as for good; that our civil liberties are precious and that many feel New Labour trampled on them naively and arrogantly. Let us speak more honestly about the economic realities of immigration, even where we risk sounding *soft*, and engage more truthfully with the harsh economic circumstances which help sustain bigotry and intolerance of otherness. Let us talk tough on poverty only where the object is poverty itself, not poor people; and be more honest about the revolving door of our prison system. And for god's sake let's realise that ordinary folk still respect straight-talking- even when it isn't what they want to hear; that the Murdoch press is NOT the people. No more empty populism, please. Let's make 'ideology' (not just 'what(ever) works') a respectable word again.

Howard Green

Having just watched your recent interview with Adam Bolton (the one on the evening of the election, not the one where he lost the plot outside our great houses of parliament) i just wanted you to know that there is a great number of people who agree with you about the Murdoch rabble trying to influence the way we vote. I was actually a conservative before this election but these personal attacks on Gordon Brown along with the slimey way the con party would do anything to get power has made me now tick the Labour box, who is think have come out of this election with their head held high. Long may straight talking honest men like you have an influence in the Labour my new party of choice. Best.

allybob

Alastair - those pictures are heartbreaking - especially the one of Gordon taking phone call with the boys handy artwork on the wall. My 12 yr old was out with me too delivering leaflets and is well upset - his old school got an AppleMac suite thanks to G distributing the cash where its needed most. Can't stand watching/reading media right now as other contributor mentioned. They have been reprehensible, please answer my q from other day, why did the BBC capitulate with the tidal wave of bias - they have nothing to gain from Murdocheron land.
Please explain. all the best old chap.

Gregor Miller

I have been in the US since GB resignation and home today to watch the dignity of his speech with his family on SKY+, quickly followed by YouTube to see you hold your cool as Adam Boulton goes into meltdown. Great performance under great pressure from you and GB. When are you next on with Boulton?

Alan Hardwick

Alastair is the new Cabinet Minister Without Portfolio,Baroness Warsi, paid a salary?
If so,does this mean the State is coughing up her salary as Conservative Party chairperson. If so an early example of Tory/Lib Dem Government sleaze.

Elaine Mills

Alistair, after just watching your sky interview on YouTube,which you were absolutely brilliant on, once again Adam Boulton must have felt like he had been hit by the Campbell Steam Train, I stand by my earlier comment in that we need you as our leader. I would love to see you in a debate with DC & NC, how gripping that would be.

Ash

---Not the same 'Ash' that posted last night ref: Tory/Lib pact and continuity etc---

The day will surely arrive, sooner rather than later, for this nauseatingly sterile love-in of a disaster to implode: it is preposterous and hypocritical beyond any justification. The Liberal Democrats can delude themselves and insult the voters of both Labour and Lib Dem activists who have (begrudgingly in most cases) supported a tactical , strategic option. There is a defined, recognisable, just about conceivable, shared ideology - centre left, progressive - on the doorstep knocks and the phone-outs, a coalition justification next time around was just about plausible.

In Mid-Dorset (where Tory councils have shifted boundaries yet again) my entire family of staunch Labour voters (from the north) supported local Lib Dems - it came down to a matter of a couple of hundred votes: its enough to make you're head spin - they won, narrowly, and as for 'emotional release' as to why!? - when Clegg finally decides to talk to Labour with no acknowledgement whatsoever of a pretty unified, strategically fought campaign in some regions, when the negotiations are on the verge of a deal (thank you to all who tried) its Blunkett/Reid/ - even Billy Bragg who has tirelessly campaigned for communication between Labour voters in Dorset South (no support from the yellow fog, whatsoever!!! - seat lost) and Labour voters in Letwin's West Dorset (Lib Dems lost narrowly in staunch Tory territory!!!) - gets up after throwing himself in front of a BBC TV camera outside the cabinet office with all the other Lib Dems to announce that David Milliband would be PM: as if GB, no matter what people think, just the statement within its entirety - can, as Prime Minister, fall on a sword, jettisoned, just discarded like an unwanted appendage...it beggared belief. In other words, here you are Clegg - anything is possible - GB can just rot into the political wastelands of oblivion and a new leader...just like that...can throw his hat 'into the ring'. I'm as sick as anyone else; unable to listen to the news - they are revelling in it; can't stand the sound of Cameron - Clegg is even worse - on the top of that, the New Statesman has an article by Shirley Williams!

15 million votes between Labour and the LIB Dems combined - two to three years to regroup and go again (no PR but alternative suggestions so Tories can be kept to a minimum)....chance gone.

One thing is this. Somehow, it has to be for the best. That does not mean jettisoning PM and those with real experience that terrify the Tory press, it means going back to 'the talents' and going again - Unified!. I shall never, ever, talk about the Lib Dems or tactical voting again. Time to rebuild locally where the only Labour seat was unfortunately lost...but a combined vote with the Lib Dems and there would be no Tory! Fact! Darkened room...it'll be back on to the medication soon. Keep shining the light...

Graham Jones

Lovely piece you wrote today. Very tender portrayal, of how enduring friendship and loyalty rises above petty squabbles, because they're more important. The highest office in politics will always have differences of opinion, but family endures. There is the Brown family in the photo, but there is also the Labour family there too.

Now, dry your eyes, and start fighting.

Nick

Despite this emotional blurb, the fact remains that anyone who canvassed in this election like I did can confirm that Labour would have performed better with a different leader.

It occured to me that the new Government's almost immediate announcement of a five year fixed term was part designed to inflict maximum psychological damage on Labour. I don't think the stark reality of five years in opposition has hit them yet.

Barnabas

It's interesting that the Clameregg's first actions include, 1) fixing the next Election date a full five years hence; 2) proposing an increase in the majority for carrying a vote of no confidence in the Commons, and; 3) making a great deal of the Cabinet's decision to accept a self-imposed 5% pay-cut.

Already, it seems, building defences against the fierce backlash that will accompany the planned service cuts and tax increases.

Jacquie R

Poignant photos, bittersweet, the end of an era. I found them very moving, so goodness knows how it was for you, Alastair. But, looking to the future .......

It's all very well you and John Prescott gloating about Lib Dem members defecting to Labour, but have you really thought through the consequences of the Lib Dem party losing an important slice of its left wing?

Presumably the Tories will also be experiencing some defections from its alienated right wing (to some neo-facist group, no doubt!), leaving the centre ground clear for Cameron and Clegg. Their government (perhaps THEY will call themselves the Progressives?) will be SEEN as the successors to New Labour, pretty much pushing Labour way over to the left. This may be no bad thing ideologically but, living in the world we do, the result will probably keep Labour out of office for years and years. (See Jonathan Freedland in today's Guardian.)

However, as it looks like the election is some way off, the realignment of political parties is less pressing than the immediate prospects on those on lower incomes. This is why it is so important for the left and centre left to apply pressure on its MPs to represent their interests, particularly at local level. There are only 57 Lib Dem MPs, many now in government. They may be shielded from an election for some time, but news of grassroots dissatisfaction will be fodder to the press and embarrassing for the coalition.

As I said yesterday, to further this goal I believe activists should JOIN the Lib Dem parties in constituencies with Lib Dem MPs. And to those existing members about to defect, I implore you to retain your membership and voice, even if you do decide to also join Labour. This is a golden opportunity to exert influence over a Conservative government.

Bruce Burton

Please keep reminding the media about this appalling, un-democratic move to 55% being needed for a no-confidence vote. Disgusting stich-up (even John Pienaar called it a "stitch-up" on Radio 5). This has to be stopped and if the plan gains enough prominence surely public opinion will force them to re-think. Danger is it will slip through un-noticed...

Cuse

Hear, hear Alastair. The Guardian is dead to me now. Can we start a Twitter trend on crushing it's circulation?

Gordon Brown can hold his head up high. He was the only leader to act with dignity in the 5 days after the election and as your remarkable interview with Chunky Boulton showed, Uncle Rupert's minions (including the double Little Lord Fountelroy act running the country now) didn't have the class to act appropriately.

Also - should get my shiny new Labour Party membership card anyday now. After 4 years away (not in votes but membership) , I'm joining the fight again.

olli issakainen

The next leader of the Labour Party faces big challenges. It is only too obvious what will happen with the Nick and David Show. They will make mess of it and then they will, of course, blame Labour for it.
The moment David Cameron stops writing those big cheques to Scotland, the process that will result in Scottish independence begins. After that it will be very difficult for Labour to win a majority again.
And if the voting reform will also go through, the Lib Dems will probably become permanent kingmakers.
I am a bit worried about the appointment of Iain Duncan Smith. He will implement tougher welfare rules. I guess his Centre for Social Justice was behind Cameron´s unfounded claims about "Broken Britain". IDS might even believe in Big Society which is the most destructive Tory idea on offer. Not a single ordinary voter wants it, but this Brave New World could be just around the corner.
Nick Clegg has given up social democracy. Is there any future for the Lib Dems as a party? Will they merge with the Tories to form a Liberal Conservative Party?

Ps. We do not need a new "New Labour" based on the now bankrupt idea of neoliberalism. We need a new model based on social democracy. Ed Miliband is the right man to lead Labour to a better future. He can unite the party!

Keith Nieland

2 ex publc school boys + a Cabinet of millionaires + a grubby deal + a sea of white middle and upper class men + a token women = new politics!

Mark Wright

As Gordon & Sarah walked away from No. 10 Downing Street for the last time with their two children skipping along between them all holding hands together GB looked like the luckiest man on earth.

tracey

Most people aren't tribal the way you are, and we aren't losing a sociaist government anyway we're losing NuLabour, and good riddance (I say this as a leftie).

Paul

It's a stunning insight. Over the last few weeks, months even, I've spent what feels like hours and hours looking at the door to number 10 while someone stands infront of it offering the latest opinion or the latest scoop. And you create an image in your mind of what's happening on the other side.. an image probably greatly determined by the media.

But to see what the scene really was is refreshing and dispels some of that speculation.

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