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Labour election cash runs low
Nicholas Cecil05.03.09
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
At least they know how the rest of the country feels.
- Martin Fielding, London, England
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
if they cant afford it now wot will a year make call it now
- Steve, london
Why not ask their mates at RBS for some pocket money?
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
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
not just morally and politically bankrupt then.
- M.O'Brien, london.uk
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
The political correct Labour party are doomed with any wasted money donated by mad people.
- Joe, Swanley Kent
I have tears in my eyes for them - not.
- Dee Jay, Fleet Hampshire
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
Oh dear, how sad, never mind. Goodbye and good riddance.
- David Moon, Seaford, East Sussex, UK
Oh what a shame....
- Ben, London, UK
