Comment
Why Brown must act now
AS the first local election results came in
last night and the full extent of the
Labour vote collapse became clear, all the
old cliches were trotted out.
Ministers described the situation as
"disappointing", they pointed the finger
at the credit crunch, a faltering global
economy and plunging house prices.
Later in the evening, rising fuel prices
were also thrown into the mix.
In other words, according to the Government,
it was not to blame for the fact
that Labour's share of the vote had fallen
to 24 per cent, the worst result in four
decades.
By Friday, there was no hiding the truth.
People had deserted Labour in their tens
of thousands.
Looking pale and tired, Gordon Brown
admitted his party had suffered a "bad
night". He said: "My job is to listen and to
lead. We will learn lessons, we will reflect
on what has happened and then we will
move forward."
If that is a genuine desire, there may
still be hope for a Labour redemption before
the general election.
But the Prime Minister has to do more
than just listen. He has to act.
Recently, MPs said they were listening
to the voters who told them they did not
want their local post offices to close.
They listened and then they voted for
the closures anyway. Is it any wonder
some people don't believe a word politicans
say?
The last time Labour suffered such a
comprehensive election drubbing the
world was still reeling from the assassination
of Martin Luther King and French
students were rioting in Paris. Has nothing
changed in 40 years?
Gordon Brown still has time to show he
can heed Thursday's warning - but time
is surely running out.
8:59am Saturday 3rd May 2008
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