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20 May 2008

Am I Becoming a Hainite?

Peter Hain has raised his head above the parapet to make some serious suggestions for the future of

By Martin Bright

Ok, I admit it. I voted for Peter Hain as my first choice for Labour deputy leader. But then I voted for John Prescott as leader in 1994, so my judgement is admittedly fallible. I don’t know the truth of the allegations against Hain concerning the funding of his campaign, but I have always liked him and believe he is a man of principle.

Hain’s article in yesterday’s Guardian suggesting that Labour should look after the interests of its core vote while continuing to appeal to the aspirational middle classes made an obvious point really rather well. The Labour Party seems locked in a battle to the death between those who believe the future lies with one or the other.

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