‘New tactics’ see Labour secure victory
Labour’s new election coordinator says the party’s by-election victory is partly down to a change in campaigning style.
Andy Burnham told politics.co.uk the more personal, engaged approach of activists on the doorstep had contributed to the Oldham East and Saddleworth result.
Debbie Abrahams restored a comfortable majority for Labour in yesterday’s by-election, securing a majority of over 3,500 after Phil Woolas beat the Liberal Democrats by just 103 votes last year.
“We’re bringing a different style to the way Labour campaigns. In the 90s we were very disciplined and professional, but it was at times a little formulaic,” Mr Burnham said.
“I think we’re developing a better way of campaigning.”
He said both Ms Abrahams and Ed Miliband could take the credit for the result. Mr Miliband will be relieved after it initially appeared the result could be closer than many expected.
“This Conservative-led government should think again,” the Labour leader said in a question-and-answer session in Brighton.
“I hope very much Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg will listen to the voters’ verdict. We need politicians in this country to listen and understand what people are saying.
“This is only the first step for the Labour party to win back trust. I know we face a big task.”
Ms Abrahams used her victory speech to call on David Cameron and Nick Clegg to take note of her win. Oldham East and Saddleworth is the first electoral setback for the coalition government since its formation last May.
“I do think it does reflect the anger that there is among voters about some of the things the government is doing,” shadow foreign secretary Yvette Cooper told the Today programme.
“We saw a swing to the Labour party away from both parties, which does suggest a verdict on the government as a whole and the decisions they’re taking which people feel worried about.”
Ms Cooper said it was important for Labour to make clear an alternative exists to the government’s proposals.
Reports suggest the shadow Cabinet has endorsed a strategy addressing ways to make clearer Labour’s plans for dealing with the deficit.
“The most important thing right now is to get more people into jobs… that is the best way to save money,” Ms Cooper added.
For now Labour is celebrating after its disciplined approach to campaign rhetoric – including a refusal to apologise for Phil Woolas’ misdeeds – paid off.
“It’s been a real team approach,” Mr Burnham added.
“We’re had hundreds of activists in the constituency. Ed Miliband has led from the front, and Debbie Abrahams has been an excellent candidate.”
