Philip Gould (1) (1950–2011)

Fourteen years on and this book still sends a tingle down my spine. This is the story of how the British Labour Party was converted from an unelectable wreck into a three times election winning party of real principle. There is only one question that this book does not answer: and that is, "Why?" A new party, the Social Democratic Party, had been formed and stood for all the things that Philip Gould, Tony Blair, Alastair Campbell and Peter Mandelson believed. Tony Blair was the best leader that Labour, and possibly Britain ever had but, we are seeing now the reaction. Ed Miliband is dithering and the creep back of the loonies is on the cards. A new party would have left the baggage behind.

That is a tangential point - back to this book. Philip Gould was never the face of New Labour, rather he was the Swan's feet - out of sight but paddling like mad to make it happen. I wonder how many of the current Labour Party have read this book. It should be a prerequisite for anybody wishing to become a Labour MP. It reminds us of the ludicrous position that the party had attained by the mid 1980's. I find it almost unbelievable that the current crew are apologising for Blair and success. No other Labour leader has won two, let alone three, elections and yet, New Labour was a mistake and a move to the left will make the party more electable: unbelievable!

Gould is not only modest about his part in a spectacular achievement, but he is quick to put his hand up to his mistakes and writes in a style that is credible and gripping. He gives an insight into why decisions were made. What worked and what did not. It is a real education and a good read.

I must admit to feel rather sad as the last paragraph urges the party to build upon their position and become the dominant party for the twenty-first century. Knowing that Gould has passed away, recently, but lived long enough to see so much of what he had helped Labour to gain, not even being ripped from them, but rather given away. I fear another long spell of opposition.… (altro)