Don's Column

Facing the future with confidence

As we go through the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, balancing work and family commitments, sometimes it is easy to forget the impact the Labour Government has on our lives.

We could be just a year away from a General Election, an election that is going to be more challenging than ever before. Not only are we going for a record fourth term in government but we are also facing in the Tories, a party that will say anything to get elected.

As a government we have done so much to tackle so many of the serious challenges in society. We have worked to improve public services, fought to end mass unemployment and deprivation. As Labour Party members we have much to be proud of.

However, it will not be enough to fight the next election on our past record or the incompetence of previous Tory Governments – we will only win if we can prove that we are the party that is most in tune with the hopes and aspirations of the British people.

I know that we have had some tough times in the past few years but I still do not believe that there is any kind of desire for people to elect a Tory Government. We are not about to witness a sea change in British politics in the way we did in 1997.

The Tories may have worked to drop some unpopular policies and do enjoy a lead in the opinion polls, but just scratch under the surface. Underneath the headlines, doubts still remain about whether or not David Cameron really is ready to be Prime Minister.

At the next election we have to present a positive case for a fourth term of government. That means presenting a programme of promise and hope to the electorate.

We are the only party that has the values and experience to bring about the type of sustained change that means people can face the future with confidence.