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Tactical Briefing
Published 08 May 2008
From the Unit...
So, pretty good week. I mean technically our worst week since 1963. But considering how terrible things feel, think it's been a pretty good week. After all, you're still in office. You kept it together on Marr and nobody could tell you'd been crying so shortly before going on air, or see the marks on your leg from the incident. And let's not forget, even after the election, we are the third-most-supported political party in the whole of the UK! That's quite a boast.
So, as regards political tactical matters - obviously we are going to lose the next general election. Think one thing that would be good would be for us to accept that there's nothing we can do about this fact, and that everything we have tried or might try will inevitably make things worse.
We know that regarding this, some have accused us of defeatism. But that feels unfair. Defeatism is failing to engage in a battle because you fear you might lose. We are Victorists. We are conserving our energy for after the inevitable victory of our opponents.
After all, if we start our plans for the fightback now, we will be ahead of the game. Who knows, perhaps the forthcoming Tory landslide might be kept below 1997 levels? That's something to aim for, isn't it? Plus, if we start looking at strategies for coming back into government now, we might be able to limit the Tories' period in power to just two, or maybe even (and we really think this might be possible however much the cabinet and senior colleagues may disagree) only one term of office? That's one sweet dream, right?
There is a question of how you should approach this. Obviously it would be unusual for a sitting prime minister to admit they are definitely going to lose the next election. We may want to steer away from an open acceptance. There is a residual concern it may be in some way illegal, for example. However, we should consider the positive benefits of you conceding defeat at this early stage.
For one, it would massively increase your credibility. We want to present you as an honest, straightforward figure. How can we do that if you are one of the few unincarcerated adults of normal intelligence in the country who claims you will be the prime minister come 2010? Also, once you accept defeat we can start to pitch you as the best man to lead Labour out of the wilderness we are heading for and back into power. That's appetising, isn't it?
Really think it would wrong-foot the Tories in the chamber if every time they taunt or attack we sort of shrug and say, "Yes, fine, stop going on! We've already said it's your turn next." They will look unpleasant and bullying if they keep harping on about our faults when we've already admitted they are so grievous that we see no chance of electoral success.
Think this might all be very exciting! Let us know your thoughts.
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