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.