Jon Cruddas, the Labour backbencher who came third but with the most first preference votes in last year’s deputy leadership contest and is tipped by many as a good outside bet to be the next Labour leader, has an interesting piece in The Independent this morning. He argues that the calls for an instant change of leader are misguided but contends that Labour can’t carry on with the same set of policies.
These are what Cruddas would like to see as the new set of dividing lines between Labour and the Tories:
The list is a smart mix of old fashioned leftism and populism which would put clear red water between Labour and the Conservatives. If Labour’s poll ratings continue to slide it is going to become increasingly attractive to those in the Labour party who feel that they might as well go down swinging. Indeed, I suspect that this—or something very close to it—will be adopted by Labour once it is in opposition.“Where the Tories would rely on market forces to bring down living costs, Labour can enforce fairer prices. Where the Tories want more individualised (read privatised) care for the elderly, Labour can use revenue from fairer taxation to share the responsibility of caring for our people. Where the Tories will “exhort” corporations to be “socially responsible”, Labour can provide a tough framework for balancing companies’ desire for profits with the needs of ordinary people. Where the Tories would empower bad employers, Labour can guarantee better rights for those who work hard on low wages. Where the Tories can only hope the private sector can solve Britain’s housing crisis, Labour can let councils step in to provide decent homes.”
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