Friday, September 5, 2008

Charles Clarke and Adrian Ramsay - watch Monday's space...

Has it honestly not occured to Charles Clarke that what is needed is not a change of Leader in the Labour Party, but a huge change of policy-direction?
Here in Norwich [from when I am setting off in 30 minutes for Conference...], in Charles Clarke's own seat, the Labour Party is in free-fall, in 4th place in the seat [at this year's local elections], while the Green Party is in first place. Our experience on the doorstep suggests that this is not because of Gordon Brown nor even because of Charles Clarke -- it is because voters are fed up with New Labour, and want a real change; so they are flocking our way.
Perhaps this is why Mr. Clarke has spoken out so dramatically: because he is now seriously worried that he will lose his own seat. But his prescription for how to save his own skin will not work: under any Leader, Labour is now a Party on the way out. It's the policies (as well as the economy), stupid...
All this adds a piquancy to Adrian Ramsay's acceptance speech as our Deputy Leader (assuming that he isn't beaten by RON - a safe assumption...), on Monday. I am reliably informed (i.e. by Adrian!) that a well-rounded and full-on challenge to Mr. Clarke will form a backbone of his speech...

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