For the first time in 13 years, the Labour party is electing a new leader and deputy leader. Few would have predicted the circumstances in which the party is conducting these elections – 10 years of continuous Labour rule which has seen four Conservative leaders come and go.
Labour has forged a country with high employment, record public service investment, a dynamic economy, and a commitment to the belief that every citizen deserves the very best start in life. Who would have thought 13 years ago that we would have a minimum wage; prioritised provision for under-fives; a programme to rebuild our schools and hospitals; waiting lists for hospital treatments slashed from years to only 18 weeks; flexible working with support for families; not to mention civil partnerships and peace in Northern Ireland.
This is a fraction of what has been achieved, and should give goosebumps to even the most critical of Labour party members. We have done a lot under Tony Blair’s premiership, and though gratitude is a rare commodity in politics, it seems fitting to thank Labour’s leader and prime minister for all he has done to make this country a better and fairer place.
During the past decade in government, what has been remarkable is the partnership between the prime minister and his chancellor, Gordon Brown. On policy areas across government, their combined intellect and dedication has been apparent. Brown has been Labour’s most successful chancellor – he has steered the economy with searing intelligence, allowing for more investment in public services, as well as overseeing policies that have seen over 700,000 children lifted out of poverty, and resources directed to the poorest in our society. This is coupled with a firm belief in the values of entrepreneurship and support for those growing our economy in a globalised world.
On the international stage Brown has been a significant figure, and it is hard to remain unmoved by his rousing speeches on Africa, let alone his leadership – with Blair – in brokering the famous Gleneagles G8 international development pledge. He has spoken with passion also about peace in the Middle East, and has fostered a creative approach of an economic roadmap for the Palestinian territories.
His record as chancellor has shown him to be a man of courage, intellect and ability, and the overwhelming backing he has received from all quarters of the PLP has confirmed that he is someone who can unite all sections of the Labour party. At the recent Progress/Fabian Society hustings – prior to his confirmation as the sole leadership candidate – Brown demonstrated he was not afraid of a good debate, taking on John McDonnell and Michael Meacher with grace and ease.
It was at these hustings, and at the many visits he is conducting up and down the country, that more and more people are seeing the future prime minister at his best. He is confident and assured, comfortable in the challenges ahead, and interested in hearing what people think on a range of policies.
Moreover, one can now see the battle lines forming for the next general election. Prime Minister Brown, full of energy and ideas about the future of our country, listening to people’s concerns, and understanding what is needed to improve and develop every individual’s potential. Contrast this with an opportunistic Tory leader devoid of any real political convictions or policy agenda, who hides behinds gimmicks and photo-calls in order to avoid the difficult questions facing the country. It is a battle that is already making the Tories distinctly uncomfortable, leading to panic at CCHQ and a number of contradictory statements on a range of policies.
The Conservatives may also be dreading Labour’s deputy leadership contest, which sees six formidable talents thinking and debating ideas to re-energize the Labour party. Each of the candidates has a range of policy proposals looking at ways of increasing activism, support and membership of the party, and the contest itself has been comradely and good mannered thus far. It is vital that, as the contest develops, all of the candidates remember that, although this is an internal Labour party election, the public will still be watching. While discussion and debate is healthy, anything beyond that could send out signals of disunity and personal animus, which could undermine the party’s position ahead of the next election.
Happily, it is looking unlikely that the candidates will go down this route, and the Labour party should be proud that is has fielded so many different talents for this important position. Talents which could and will all complement Prime Minister Brown, a leader with a track record of delivering for the country and the right policies for the future. As we look back over a remarkable 10 years, it is with confidence and optimism that we should look forward to the next decade – with a new prime minister ready and equipped to take the country forward, and a galvanised Labour party united in this mission.