As the Labour Party continues to grapple with its identity in the 21st century, the debate over its ideological direction is far from over. Since the days of Keir Hardie and Hugh Gaitskell, the party has shifted from socialism to social democracy, and then to New Labour. While Tony Blair and New Labour achieved a great deal in terms of human rights, the minimum wage, public services and living standards, the Iraq War and a perceived cuddling up to big business remain sore points.
The party now faces a critical juncture. If it continues to drift away from its base, the results could be disastrous. To avoid this, Labour must look to its past and embrace the moral mission of Harold Wilson, the passion of Tony Blair, the drive of Clement Attlee, and the vision of Keir Hardie. It must find a new path that combines the best of the left and the centre, while avoiding triangulation and gimmickry. This is the only way to ensure that Labour can remain relevant in the years to come.
As the Labour Party seeks to re-establish itself, it must offer a clear alternative to the muddled messages of triangulation and open its arms to the centre left. This is essential if the party is to avoid the same fate as other centre-left parties across Europe, such as Podemos in Spain and Syriza in Greece. These parties have seen swathes of the public desert them, and Labour cannot afford to be left behind.
The leadership contest is only part of the solution. To truly succeed, the party must be open and democratic, allowing the team, the party and the membership to have a say in the direction of the party. This is the only way to ensure that Labour remains the people’s party.
