A victory for democracy heralds new political era

Published: 13 May, 2010

• THURSDAY May 6 was a victory for democracy.
The long campaign started with deep-rooted cynicism in the political process.
It ended with record numbers voting. In Holborn and St Pancras, the turnout was 62.9 per cent, higher even than May 1997 (60.5 per cent) which ushered in the new dawn after 18 years of Thatcherism. 
In 2006 the Labour Party lost control of Camden Council after 35 years in power.
It embarked upon a strategy of consulting with the electorate, reviewing policies and campaigning for power. Last Thursday, Labour retook control with a 4.4 per cent increase in its vote.
Frank Dobson saw his majority double.
The Lib Dem vote increased by 2 per cent; yet they lost 10 seats on the council.
In seeking an overall majority, they overreached themselves. Their vote increased in wards which they had no hope of winning, while it collapsed in the key marginals. They have proved themselves a four-year wonder who will find it difficult to re-establish themselves in Camden politics.
We face a new political era of a Tory/Lib Dem coalition government implementing unpopular measures to revive the economy and tackle global warming.
The Labour Party will be the sole standard bearer for those who oppose the extreme and divisive policies of the Tory right.
Frank Dobson and Glenda Jackson are two senior parliamentarians whose wisdom will treasured as Labour revisits its values after 13 years of New Labour.
Nasim Ali is the first British Bangladeshi and the first Muslim leader of Camden Council. He leads a Labour group of 18 men and 12 women, reflecting Camden’s rich cultural diversity. They bring a wealth of experience from business, academia, voluntary sector, tenants’ movement and trade unions.
Those who want to do more than merely vote are invited to join the Labour Party at www.labour.org.uk
ROBERT LATHAM
Mornington Terrace, NW1