Jeremy Corbyn and his allies very nearly had it all, but then lost everything. What makes it worse (for them) is that it’s their own stupid fault.
Like it or not, in many areas, we need a radical Labour government – or at least one willing to take the tough decisions the Conservatives have ducked.
If the Opposition take office next year they will inherit a very difficult situation. If MPs haven’t dipped their hands in the blood of a Starmerite programme, ill-discipline may be the result.
To go from opposition to government in a single election requires Starmer to move on from the Corbyn era as quickly as possible. Driving his predecessor and his acolytes out of the party – even via the courts – is the fastest way to do that.
Only yesterday, Andrew Gimson reported for this site that the party’s Deputy Leader was in deep trouble in his West Bromwich constituency.
“Jeremy and I go back 40 years,” declares the Shadow Chancellor, denying that he has been “frozen out.”
Since I last surveyed the political landscape in 2013 and 2014, some ruling tribes have been cast down, and some formerly lost tribes have risen to rule.
Of course the Government must sell its vision and achievements, but we must also expose the hard left’s anti-democratic conduct and duplicity over Brexit.
If we can win the argument for well-regulated, competitive provision of essential services in this sector, we can win it elsewhere.
Kelvin Hopkins’ belated suspension contrasts with the treatment of Simon Danczuk over very similar claims.
The left will strengthen their position inside Labour, but may push more voters towards the more centrist, avowedly unionist Scottish Conservatives.
Will they keep their heads down as their colleagues are picked off by the hard left?
Victory poses his internal opponents with a painful dilemma, and a lot may hinge on how they resolve it.
Corbyn might lock Labour out of power at Westminster, but Momentum could still end up wielding real power in local government.
A clear campaign narrative that balances local and national priorities is crucial. Engage with community groups. Select candidates early. Use social media to complement, not replace, campaigning.