Real Labour People Are Deserting The Labour Party

It has become clear to me, from talking to thousands of voters from across North Durham, that people who traditionally vote Labour have told me that they are sick and tired of the Labour Party and will be voting for a Progressive Conservative candidate in North Durham at the next election.

This week, three high profile Labour figures have also suggested that, to an extent they are tired of the Government and their failure to act to combat poverty and safeguard civil liberties.

First off was Tony Benn. I'm a massive fan of Tony Benn - I think 'Arguments for Democracy' and 'Arguments for Socialism' are first class texts. He has been one of the foremost figures warning about the deterioration in civil liberties over the past twelve years. He has consistently made the case that the anachronistic powers of the royal prerogative give the Executive way too much power against a weakened Parliament. His speech about the Maastricht Treaty, warning that "I cannot hand away powers lent to me" was a hugely powerful exposition of the democratic argument against a European superstate. I was, therefore, delighted to hear that in an interview with The Sunday times, he said that his "views on civil liberties and Europe were closer to the Conservatives than Labour." He said, "There are issues I find myself in agreement with some of the Tories on, particularly on civil liberties... As I grow older I have reached the conclusion that issues unite people, whereas ideologies divide them."

At the same time, Clare Short, the former Cabinet Minister under Tony Blair has said that, "the Conservatives have committed to keeping up the budget and keeping up the commitment on poverty and keeping a separate department, so I am pleased about that.”

Former Welfare Minister under Tony Blair, Frank Field has said that David Cameron's speech on poverty, "declares war on Labour's reason for existence... it is a wonderfully bold beginning."

In all these cases, Labour figures are realising that a Conservative Government is more likely to acheive progressive ends than a tired Labour Government. Their shift is being replicated throughout North Durahm and the North East by people who have voted Labour all of their lives who are set to vote Conservative at the next election.