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Labour’s manifesto cover . . . or is it a communist poster?

Labour’s art team turns to Chairman Mao for guidance.

By George Eaton

manifesto

On seeing the front cover of Labour’s manifesto, a few thoughts come to mind. First, no Gordon Brown (surprise, surprise). Even Blair didn’t make it on to the front of the party’s 2005 manifesto, so poor Gordon didn’t stand much of a chance this time round.

Second, isn’t that rising sun rather communist-like? Why, yes it is. Labour’s design team clearly felt that Maoist iconography best summed up the anti-capitalist mood afoot in the country.

The policies inside may mark a reversion to Blairism, but artistically at least, Labour has lurched to the left.

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Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates. Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com
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