Society is changing – and Labour must look to change with it

By Elliott Adair

So the “Great Leader”, as Andrew Neil often calls Gordon Brown, has taken an almighty personal step, by falling on his sword for the sake of the Labour Party and the country. Gordon Brown conducted himself honourably, stating that his decision to quit was motivated by the election result. It is fair to say that the general election had evolved to become effectively a referendum on Gordon Brown himself.

Now that he has called it a day and prepares a long, drawn out ride into the sunset, Labour are nownaturally turning thoughts towards the leadership of the party. This is not just a chance for a new leader, but a chance for the party to have a serious discussion about what it now means to be Labour. In the coming weeks and months ahead, it will become obvious that this leadership election may very well be a post-New Labour election, as well as a post-Gordon Brown election. For me, it would be highly inappropriate to have a “coronation” take place. Whatever the uncertaintly of the general election result, the nature of the future Labour leadership must be democratic and carry the evental support the whole party. Unity has always been Labour’s strength in the face of political adversity, now is the time to remember that principle.

For me, Labour has to learn from the past. But it is important to mention that Labour must remain modern. There are younger generations alive today, who never experienced Thatcherism or the eighteen years of Conservative government. Society has changed – and Labour must change with it.

Now is the time for Labour to decide what it wants to be. I suggest that Labour should not close ranks following the general election. Labour should reach out to the country and say “We’re down, but not out!” Labour needs to become a movement-based organisation again, one which can unite the unions, members and all the affiliate groups under one arm.

Labour is at a crossroads and making the right decision now, will allow the party, the freedom to progress forward into a bright future.