Originally posted @ 8:32 am, Fri 28th Jan 2011
Leads for Labour in the polls yesterday of 6, 8 and 10 points. Building on often double-digit increases in share of votes in local council by-elections.
Cue front-bench spokesperson proclaiming voting Labour is becoming counter-cultural in the south. Tiresome.
The story remains we lost the General Elections for national reasons, reflecting events that happened whilst we were in power that weren't our fault (recession and MPs expenses) and a poor perception of our leader. That the differences in our country between people and classes (even if we're talking classes defined by marketing groups) is an issue to address is undeniable, but talking about the South (which includes large parts of Labour voting London seats) whilst not talking about rhe Midlands represents shallow thinking.
There are things to get right in regional policy, including diminishing that barrier that moving to London and the South-east to live and work would represent to many from elsewhere.
And that sort of issue is one of many that we have to address as we get ready to say what';s right for the country.
And that's where we have to go next by starting develop the ideas for a Plan B in the light of the disappointing economic news.
It's right for all the questions to be asked about the legitimacy and significance of an early GDP survey result.
But the pessimism cast by the result reflects what we are perceiving through shops that are emptier and the many more that are closed, friends losing work and saying how hard it is to et a job.
The Mirror's business editor came up with a ten point plan for fixing the economy and it warrants some examination, even if it doesn't address some of the core economic policy of what we do to create sectors of industry and business that is creating and providing the products and services of the future.
Meantime, perhaps now it's time to develop a Plan B pledge card highlighting the actions to be taken now, or at the next budget to change the country's direction. Something the whole country can welcome.
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