Brand values

When Russell Brand told people not to bother voting I was pretty scathing about it, while at the same time accepting that he was tapping into a malaise felt about modern politics that simply wasn’t being catered to by the major political parties. I didn’t agree with Brand’s positioning on not voting and nor did I agree with his “all the same” attitude on the parties, but I recognised the truth of his disaffection and the way it spoke to a vital audience far beyond Westminster.

I saw the value of the inspiration to think politically and the leadership and hope he was offering to a generation that felt shut our of party politics. That didn’t feel it was being engaged with by mainstream politics so much as dumped on from a great height. Brand was reaching those people and getting them engaged. I warned against denying the power of that at our peril. I want young people to vote. I believe it is essential the voices of those most harmed by the direction the Tories have taken the country in are heard. I would like them to vote Labour. I believe that between the policies we offer on tuition fees, apprenticeships, job guarantees and rent security we are clearly the party with the most to offer them. I was disappointed that Brand wasn’t seeing the same thing. I was cross with Brand for not seeing that there is a real choice at this election. And that the people who most sought to represent would be the ones most affected by it.

Well fair play to him, because he has now done exactly that. It’s not easy to change your mind in public. Particularly when many Labour members and politicians were so scathing about him across the board. But Brand has taken time to really think through the ramifications for the country and has changed his mind about voting. He is now suggesting that people outside of certain areas (Scotland and Brighton Pavillion) should and must vote Labour.

He will get attacked for that from some quarters. The Tories and their press supporters will try to belittle him. Labour will be attacked for taking him seriously. Expect his past and some of his more questionable judgements  to be mentioned time and time again over the next 24 hours.

Brand’s support comes with certain caveats. He fully intends to hold Labour’s feet to the fire. To push us further, to challenge and to argue where he thinks we are getting it wrong. To ask us to be be rooted in communities.

So will I.

The days of slavish devotion to a Party being the model for support is long since passed (if it ever existed). Social media – including sites like this that have always prided ourselves on platforming all the debate within the Party as well as between political ideologies – has allowed internal discussions to explode into the public realm. While uncomfortable at times that is right. It is more open and transparent. It is a better, more modern approach to politics that treats voters with the respect they deserve. Members do not take the line from head office any more. Increasingly, and vitally, head office takes the line from a growing and active membership. This trend must be accelerated and respected. It is the best way to build a politics that is rooted in the communities we serve and reflects the values we are elected to represent.

The first time Brand speaks out against a Labour government it will be news. But it shouldn’t be. Because he has been clear from the off about democracy being an ongoing process – not a vote every five years. I am delighted to have Brand’s support for this election as I am delighted at the support of every Labour voter. But more importantly, I agree with him that we should vote Labour on May 7th and on May 8th, the fight for more democracy and more power for more communities starts again. And inside or outside the Party, it should never, ever end.