-Progress Towers were emptied for the first week in May to help Labour win back seats across the country. Teams of people were sent to Glasgow, Delyn, Brighton, Gillingham, Gravesham and Dover on polling day and, despite our effects, it is fair to say the results were patchy.
It is excellent, however, to see that Guildford have worked tirelessly and got their first two councillors elected. This toehold is important for Labour and we hope the Progress campaign day made a valid contribution.
Well done to all the excellent Progress members who were elected to the Scottish parliament and councils all around the country. Commiserations to the brilliant Labour candidates who fell short this time – the fightback continues.
-Following our blue Labour special last month, the Boothroyd Room in Portcullis House was packed for our ‘Blue Labour or New Labour: does the party have to choose?’ event on Tuesday 10 May. Ed Miliband adviser and blue Labour pioneer, Maurice Glasman, kicked off the debate while Phil Collins (The Times) and Liz Kendall MP gave the New Labour case with distinction. The ippr’s Graeme Cooke gave a ‘best of both’ analysis. We’d like to thank Mary Riddell of the Daily Telegraph for chairing and everyone who came along to enjoy the debate. We are confident it will continue.
-Following the local elections we were straight back to our Policy 2020 series with a barnstorming contribution from Ivan Lewis who talked candidly about aspiration, the ‘squeezed middle’ and Labour’s fortunes following mixed local election results. Read his speech on pages 18-19. Gavin Kelly gave an insightful and factual analysis of the squeeze on wages which should act as a rude awaking to all in Labour’s ranks. Ben Shimshon provided a look at why 71 per cent of people think of themselves as middle class and how this will change our politics.
-We’re changing the ways you can support Progress, and asking all our current members to begin paying their subs by direct debit. There’s full details on the new system on the rear cover.
-Finally, get in quick for tickets to the Lord Mandelson event as they are going thick and fast. Book your tickets at archive.progressonline.org.uk/events