Roy Hattersley (Guardian Utd): The failing that could prove lethal

From the Guardian Unlimited (UK)
Dated Monday June 14

The failing that could prove lethal
Blair must now show he stands for something more than Bush's war
By Roy Hattersley

Forget the figures. The tally of seats won and councils lost can be interpreted to mean anything from "no Tory breakthrough" (John Reid) to "Blair must go" (Clare Short).
Only remember that in the local elections Labour was even more unpopular than the votes suggested and that the dismal result in the European ballot was better than the party deserved. Then turn your attention to the problem that the prime minister must solve during the next 12 months. How does he resurrect the idea that he actually stands for something besides justifying the war in Iraq and at the same time being re-elected?
The growing band of Labour MPs who think that the whole dilemma can be resolved by a palace revolution are fantasists. They should put out of their minds all thought of what they would tell a good fairy who landed on the terrace of the House of Commons and offered to grant their dearest wish. A year sighing for a new leader is a year wasted. Hope lies in a change (albeit marginal) in policy and philosophy and the realisation that the government has to begin playing it straight.
Painful though it is to admit, last week's battle for London was won by Livingstone not Labour. Downing Street claims that the idea of rehabilitating the maverick mayor has been vindicated. The irregular union has been blessed with a good headline. It is cynicism of that order that has made people doubt the prime minister's integrity. If, over the past 10 years, there had been less manipulation, it would not have been necessary to woo Ken Livingstone with the dowry of his election expenses.

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Blair must learn the hard way that if one runs with the dogs one will be treated as a dog.