Things can only get better

Well nobody was expecting that. Far from the rout of the Tories many expected a year ago, it is Labour who have been wiped out. The gains they made under the stewardship of Tony Blair have been utterly decimated. Their stronghold north of Hadrian's wall in Scotland, has been all but eradicated. They are a party in crisis, without direction. Most of their top figures from a number of years ago are gone. If they carry on in their current form, they will suffer a similar drubbing five years from now. In order to stay on, and remain relevant in British politics, Labour must change.


The greatest achievement of Tony Blair's political career was the creation of 'New Labour'. By dragging them to the center, although alienating to many hardcore members, it made them electable to the British Public. In the past 35 years, he remains the only figure Labour have won an election under. Ed Miliband, in contrast, while a very likeable individual, is traditional-Labour. He is a socialist, who believes in radical reform of the market economy, and it is that which lost him the election. When asked to choose between a party they dislike, but can trust and a party they fear, voters inevitably went with the Tories. The only real surprise seems to be that the opinion polls in the run up to the election did such a poor job at predicting such a swing. There is an saying in British politics 'You can't win from the Left'. Labour certainly proved that today.


Where now for Labour? For a start, they will need a new leader. They must choose wisely. There is no point choosing another socialist or left-winger. If they do, they will simply lose, and the conservative party who they so detest will remain in power. They need a moderate, a centrist, who can appeal to all voters, and not just Labour's base. But it is important to remember that it was not just Labour who lost today, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens also suffered disastrously. Looking to the future, it may well be in all their interests to unite under one party. Indeed, the liberal Democrats would feel well at home with many of New Labour's policies, while the Greens could have a much louder and influential voice in parliament. The Tory's gains are far more fragile than they look. Without the Lib-Dems to bolster them, Cameron's majority is much reduced, and he will be far more reliant on his nutjob back benchers than previously. The Conservative's are a notoriously toxic party, and a strong opposition could see a repeat of the landslide of '97. To achieve this however, Labour will need to reform. Liz Kendall would be an excellent choice of leader.


Of course, this is politics, so the chance of any of these changes happening are slim to none. Doubtless many in Labour will blame their centrist elements, and seek to elect another socialist as leader. And should they be successful, there is no doubt that we shall see a repeat of today on election night five years from now. Perhaps then, Labour will make the changes it needs.