Labour's Future: Emerging from the Shadow

In the Economist article, "Labour's Future: Emerging from the Shadow," the author discusses his opinion on the direction Labour must take to remain competitive. He argues that domination of the Labour party by Blair and Brown prevented any new leadership from emerging--"such was their dominance that little could grow in the massive shadow they cast." The author attributes this dominance and a lack of serious competitors to the fact that Gordon Brown succeeded Blair unopposed, despite "all his previously well-known flaws."

It also argues that a change in government could ultimately be healthy for the party. He describes it as "exhausted," and suggests it needs to take some time to reevaluate its ideology and the direction it wants to go in the 21st century.

Throughout the article, the author points out several potential candidates for future leader of the Labour party. David Miliband is a charismatic and well liked former secretary of state who has publicly thrown his hat in the ring. Described by the author as "Blairite" candidate, it is likely he would have stepped up as prime minister had Labour been able to cut a coalition deal with the liberal democrats. He is criticized, however, for not making any attempt to challenge Mr. Brown after Tony Blair's resignation.

Miliband top competitor for the position will probably be Ed Balls, the former schools secretary and right hand man of Gordon Brown. His "thuggish ways" have left him with many enemies, however.

The article relates to change in government. The Labour party has lost power for the time being, and must regroup and reevaluate before the next election. In particular, now that Gordon Brown has stepped down, they must name a new party leader.