Facing Reality

One of the key architects of New Labour - Philip Gould - died at the weekend.

I didn't know the man personally - but he played a key role in making the Labour party electable again - by facing up to some uncomfortable realities.

And he went on to play a vital role in the three historic, consecutive general election victories - that Labour managed to win under Tony Blair.

Some in the party detested Philip Gould's influence - with its emphasis on focus groups and the radical idea of asking ordinary people - what they actually thought of Labour party policies.

Especially the trade unions - who saw this as a way of undermining their activist-based influence - which dominated party conferences and similar events.

But all Philip Gould was doing was challenging the Labour party not to believe its own propaganda - but instead to listen to and reflect upon the views of the very people they claimed to represent.

Common sense in other words - which was in very short supply in the People's Party - back in the 1980's.

So over time New Labour was born - which started out well - by taking on old shibboleths and vested interests - the cynicism that had grown up about politics and politicians - over the 'cash for questions' scandal, for example.

Philip Gould helped to change the perception of the Labour party - with inspiring slogans such as: 

'Say what you mean - and mean what you say'

'Tough on crime - tough on the causes of crime'

'A hand up - not a hand out'

'Education, education, education'

Yet the New Labour finally project ran out of steam - because of all the in-fighting, rancour and bitterness behind the scenes.

But for a while its star shone more brightly than most.

And much of that was down to Philip Gould - never an elected politician - but a key player nonetheless.