NEEDN'T THE SOCIALISTS HAVE A PARTY?:

Rebel Hell: Tony Blair has a projected majority of just 66 but 34 of his MPs with a rebel streak could spell defeat in the Commons. Will the Labour malcontents finally curb his ambitions? (James Cusick, 5/09/05, Sunday Herald)

Tony Blair’s majority was slashed by almost 100 seats last Thursday and with it went the New Labour style of government which had consistently bypassed parliamentary authority in favour, it claimed, of a direct dialogue with the people. Now the long-ignored backbench ranks of Labour MPs, many of whom were never hypnotised by the Blair-Brown project and were branded rebels if they failed to kowtow to the official Downing Street line, believe it’s their turn to be listened to.

Alan Simpson, member for Nottingham South and one of the leading members of the Socialist Campaign Group of leftist MPs, told the Sunday Herald: “There’s been a warning shot over everyone’s bow. Labour was lucky on May 5. Had there been a credible opposition on offer, I believe the electorate would have taken up that option. Instead there was a slap in the face [for Blair] and it marks the end of the presidential politics that Blair and Peter Mandelson tried to install in Westminster. What we have seen is the public striking back.”

In common with many of his like-minded parliamentary colleagues, Simpson believes the 2005 poll result was a call for a return to consensus politics. And if he doesn’t get it, he, the rest of the campaign group, and many other “rebels” are intent on making life as difficult as they can for Tony Blair. For how long? “Until he gets the message,” said Simpson.

“The Rebels Strike Back” may sound like the latest Star Wars episode, but it is the immediate strategy of many on Labour’s left who believe they now have the chance to limit, if not end, the New Labour project.

The retreat from the Third to the Second Way isn't a vote-getter in a younger country like America, but could work in a dying one.

Posted by Orrin Judd at May 9, 2005 12:00 AM