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Labour election cash runs low
Nicholas Cecil5 Mar 2009
Labour will fight the next election without the money or army of supporters that won it three terms in office, a Cabinet minister has admitted.
Douglas Alexander, the party's general election co-ordinator, also said that Labour could struggle to "innovate" in its campaigning to stop David Cameron sweeping into Downing Street.
"We will have less money to spend on the next campaign than any of the last three," the Overseas Aid Secretary told activists.
"As Labour's general election co-ordinator, I'm under no illusions about the scale of the challenge."
However, there are mutterings at Westminster that Mr Alexander could be replaced as election co-ordinator by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, who played a crucial role in Tony Blair's 1997 landslide victory.
Reader views (13)
I have voted Labour all my life but never again. I cannot bear to look at or listen to Brown. It's such a shame the election is so far away.
- Maureen Turner, chelmsford essex, 27/04/2009 21:26
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At least they know how the rest of the country feels.
- Martin Fielding, London, England, 06/03/2009 12:10
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This is why I am fundamentally opposed to the notion that political parties should be funded by the taxpayer.
Parties need activists and members to raise money, deliver leaflets, canvass, etc..
To do that requires parties to have aims, ambitiions, vision, strategy and passion.
So people need to feel as though the [small] part thtat they play in the larger picture is of value and is worthwhile or for a noble cause.
Which pretty much precludes anything the Labour Government has done over the last 12 years.
The sooner they are run out of town the better.
- Ian Gilbertson, Newcastle, 06/03/2009 08:43
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if they cant afford it now wot will a year make call it now
- Steve, london, 05/03/2009 17:03
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Why not ask their mates at RBS for some pocket money?
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 05/03/2009 16:50
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Douglas should have a word with Mervyn at the BoE. He seems to be printing lots of it. Maybe a lordship would do the trick. I'm sure Peter or Tony can answer any questions he has on that front.
- Doug Watt, london e14, 05/03/2009 16:07
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not just morally and politically bankrupt then.
- M.O'Brien, london.uk, 05/03/2009 16:05
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Why don't they dig into their own pockets if it's for "the good of the party"
They can all afford it, with the money they have ripped off in expenses.
- Neil Grinsell, South East, 05/03/2009 15:19
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The political correct Labour party are doomed with any wasted money donated by mad people.
- Joe, Swanley Kent, 05/03/2009 15:00
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I have tears in my eyes for them - not.
- Dee Jay, Fleet Hampshire, 05/03/2009 13:43
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This is indeed good news. We will be out of this recession sooner than I thought. I feel better already. With luck Brown will appoint Mandy as election co-ordinator and thus ensure that he and his cabinet are committed to the retirement home for redundant politicians. BRING IT ON !!!!
- R.F., Yorks, UK, 05/03/2009 13:02
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Oh dear, how sad, never mind. Goodbye and good riddance.
- David Moon, Seaford, East Sussex, UK, 05/03/2009 12:24
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Oh what a shame....
- Ben, London, UK, 05/03/2009 12:21
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