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Written by Austin Mitchell
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28 October 2005 |
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Before he finally ascends to the higher realms of house prices we should be told who the real Tony Blair is. He’s a star. He still twinkles and looks nice. He took Labour to victory. But what’s inside?
There may be nothing. His generous instincts are all meant at the time. None of it is followed through. He believes that the working class will improve themselves only by turning into the middle class just like him. He’s a good hater who never forgets a grudge; a brilliant explainer who doesn’t understand the issues; but means it, how he means it, at the time. But not for long. Tony is determined to leave his legacy on a party which doesn’t want it. The formula is change for the sake of change. Choice even where it’s not possible.
The test of success is whether the Labour Party has been reshaped in Tony’s own image. Trade unions are weakened and disregarded, rank and file fewer in numbers and alienated. MPs have become a mindless claque who believe what they’re told and regurgitate it, with some decline in the grammar and the sense, to their electors. God knows what will happen if they lose faith or economic facts don’t respond to slogans.
Will the Parliamentary Labour Party revolt and stop Tony? Unlikely unless the unions turn against him and push MPs too far. Nothing happens in this party without the unions, which is why Tony wants to reduce their role and influence. |
