Public will only support a shift left

Despite some nods in the direction of more progressive politics - tougher bank regulation and a housebuilding programme - most of the the focus was acting tough on public spending, public sector pay and the relationship with the unions.

But this shameful capitulation to the City, right-wing media and continued support for a Tory-lite economic strategy is doomed to failure.

Polls suggest a majority of the public are well to the left of Labour on issues such as renationalisation of the rail network and the utilities, efforts to boost jobs and growth, and action to protect the welfare state.

If the party won't develop some backbone, then the current poll lead may well evaporate.

As it stands, there's a crisis of political representation for workers and their families. Labour are faced with an existential choice.

Rediscover its political purpose or face a slow death as voters desert the party and trade unions, reduce their donations or disaffiliate and, who knows, maybe an alternative mass party of labour emerges.

Chris Guiton
Crowborough