
McFadden: Labour must remain credible on the economy
Shadow business secretary Pat McFadden today made a speech to the Fabian society urging Labour not to retreat to default “opposition mode” in opposing all cuts.

Shadow business secretary Pat McFadden today made a speech to the Fabian society urging Labour not to retreat to default “opposition mode” in opposing all cuts.

For me and I believe, many on the left, the defining concern is that we need to show that we want to serve people whether or not we are in power.

Thousands of students are struggling to get into university, with demand far outstripping supply. Graduates are fighting tooth and nail for jobs and the chance to realise their aspirations – Labour must help them.

Cameron warned that every person is to be affected by the savage cuts over the next few years. The urgent task of all progressives today is to put in place the policies and alliances to create a counter consensus.

Let’s make sure our next leader leads for women. We’ll be asking all the leadership contenders what they think of our proposals; see http://lead4women.wordpress.com/

In today’s Guardian, Will Straw argues that Labour must “pick what it thinks is the right size of the public sector.” A wealth tax is one way to protect against cuts.

Five candidates have been nominated for the position of Labour party leader. Left Foot Forward sets out the six areas that we want the debate to focus on.

The Welsh Assembly elections are a year away. The Labour Party in Wales is taking stock after the general election and preparing its manifesto and campaign for next May.

Helen Goodman MP argues today that Labour should adopt policies that enhance liberty and equality. She says the party allowed its “bossy tendency too much free rein”.
It has almost become conventional wisdom to blame Labour’s defeat on a loss of support among C2s. But the party’s problems are deeper and more severe.