Tonight:
14°c
Influentials debate: Is New Labour doomed to defeat?
19.08.08
Evening Standard Influentials debate
Monday 15 September
RSA, 8 John Adam Street, London, WC2N 6EZ.
Doors open at 6.30pm, Debate 7pm - 8.30pm
New Labour was once a byword for political success. Now it is in the poll doldrums, trailing David Cameron's resurgent Conservatives.
Many doubt that it can win the next election: some fear a Labour wipe-out. September's party conference will be Gordon Brown's chance to rally his troops - or may be his last stand as leader.
Our panel features two of the most prominent modernizers in the Conservatives and Labour ranks and two leading commentators of the centre-left and centre-right. As Mr Brown prepares to do battle for his job this autumn, they'll be discussing whether there is still life in New Labour - and who should lead it out of the slump.
On the panel:
James Purnell - Secretary of State for Work & Pensions
Michael Gove - Shadow Spokesman for Education
Matthew d'Ancona - Editor of the Spectator
Polly Toynbee - The Guardian Columnist
Chair:
Anne McElvoy - Executive Editor, Evening Standard
To reserve your ticket, visit www.standard.co.uk/rewards
