The Future of the Labour Party...?

Last week was an important one for me.... Meeting David Miliband opened my eyes to the labour leadership contest in a way I would have never expected. In the Labour Party many strive to make a difference, and as a broad church party this is sometimes difficult. Different opinions and views held against each other can sometimes separate us, but it is this which makes the Labour movement diverse.


My question to David Miliband at an old style town hall meeting was simple; 'Andy Burnham talks of 'aspirational socialism', do you think theres a future for socialism in the Labour Party?


The answer......


Well he is a politician after all, and I knew the question was provocative. The answer was a dance around the question, I would like to agree with you, thanks for the questions but no, kind of answer. Socialist values, socialist principles etc etc.


For me the problem with the leadership is this. The Labour movement is one that seeks to fundamentally change society, to make all barriers non-existent, to make the post code lottery of birth irrelevant. So that I can walk comfortably through life, from cradle to grave, without having to face exploitation and struggle against other forces.


Has the Labour party become about managing the state and not changing it? herein lies the problem.


Heres an interesting take from Burnham: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/jul/01/andy-burnham-labour-leadership-socialist-values


Living Wage by Ed M: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7138527.ece


So my opinion of David Miliband? Good politician.... uninspiring answers!


Who should we vote for?


Yet to decide, but the one who proposes real societal change will get my vote.

Josh