Purple book – not a Blairite plot, and not about the Lib Dems

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

There has been a great deal of interest in the “Purple Book” already today. Speaking with some of those behind the publication this morning, they’re keen to explode the myth that this is in some way a plan to push for a Lab/Lib coalition. “Progress has higher aims than forming a coalition with a discredited party”, was the broad thrust of the message. Another contributor to the book was even more blunt, saying simply “It’s not a Blairite plot.”

Progress have confirmed to LabourList a number of other contributors to the project. In addition to those mentioned by The Times this morning, the following will also be writing chapters:

Maurice Glasman – Lord, academic and the man behind “Blue Labour”
Patrick Diamond – policy advisor under both Blair and Brown
Steve Reed – leader of Lambeth “Co-operative” Council
Paul Brant – deputy leader of Liverpool City Council
Paul Richards – Former Special Advisor (and LabourList columnist)
Rachel Reeves – MP for Leeds West
Stephen Twigg – MP for Liverpool West Derby
Tristram Hunt – MP for Stoke Central
Jenny Chapman – MP for Darlington