July 1994 - Blair and Prescott, the fight for the soul of the Labour Party
The moderatedly civil, the Labour Leadership Elections in 1994 nonetheless became a personal matter just as they were a matter of policy. Policy wise, it was the contest between those wanting to follow a similar course to John Smith with a turn to the left, and those who felt the party needed to be updated and modernized if it wanted to win and govern effectively. That the lines were blurred in the early voting was in no small part due to the growing conflict and resentment between Gordon Brown and Tony Blair, and the growing questions surrounding John Prescott and Margaret Beckett for their percieved weaknesses.
Originally expected to be the frontrunner, Tony Blair faced an open flank with Gordon Brown that forced him into a struggle for survival. Even as crucial modernizers like Jack Straw and Peter Mandelson chaired his campaign with huge efficiency, Brown was still highly respected and regarded, plus a less controversial choice for Blair. Both men fought with enthusiasm and civility in public, with growing bitterness in private as both felt entitled to be the leaders of the modernizing faction. With Margaret Beckett's leadership bid slowly desintegrating for her increasing turn to the left and the support of the old Bennites (who hadn't mustered enough signatures for their planned team of Ken Livingstone and Jeremy Corbyn), it was John Prescott's moment to rise. And he seized it.
With a new emphasis on policy (particularly on a strong committment to regional devolution and nationalization), Prescott won over many of the unions that supported the Labour Party, and was able to steer a clear course as the modernizers sniped each other. While many doubt Prescott's ability to actually win a general election, many more are impressed by his candor. The results of the first ballot had Beckett last, although she'd won the consolation prize of reelection as Deputy Leader. Brown had achieved a respectable third, which didn't damage his reputation much as it damaged his self-confidence. Blair, facing the votes of his faction divded, got second, and it was left to Prescott to be the shock winner with a small plurality.
Labour Leadership Election:
John Prescott: 35,9%
Tony Blair: 30,8%
Gordon Brown: 23,1%
Margaret Beckett: 10,2%
Labour Deputy Leadership Election:
Margaret Beckett: 55,9%
John Prescott: 44,1%
Thus, the Labour Leadership Election has turned into an old and familiar battle: Blair standing for the Labour right and the modernizers, and Prescott for the soft-left and the traditionalists in Labour. Many believe the decision will be defined by who Beckett supports on one hand, and, more crucially, whether Gordon Brown will put all of his support behind Blair or sit on the sidelines.
You have two days to decide.
Poll
