Sunday, May 07, 2006
Labour apologise
Peter Hain has kicked off the Labour campaign in Blaenau Gwent with an apology to the voters for taking them for granted and imposing an all-women shortlist on them in 2005.
I watched the interview on the BBC Wales opt-out on the 'Politics Show'. Hain was at pains to come across like the prodigal son:
"I'm saying sorry to them (people in Blaenau Gwent). We got it wrong last time.
"We sought to present a choice of women only and we over-rode local party wishes and the wishes of the people of Blaenau Gwent.
"The first law of politics is you listen to the people.
Mr Hain issued the apology on behalf of Labour
"The voters are in charge and that is why the selection of our candidate tomorrow night will be entirely by the party in Blaenau Gwent reflecting the wishes of the people in Blaenau Gwent which didn't happen last time."
Mr Hain said the apology was coming from him "as secretary of state for Wales, speaking for Welsh Labour and on behalf of the national executive, the party leadership and the government".
However, judging by the response of Blaenau Gwent voters it may be too little, too late. We shall see.
I watched the interview on the BBC Wales opt-out on the 'Politics Show'. Hain was at pains to come across like the prodigal son:
"I'm saying sorry to them (people in Blaenau Gwent). We got it wrong last time.
"We sought to present a choice of women only and we over-rode local party wishes and the wishes of the people of Blaenau Gwent.
"The first law of politics is you listen to the people.
Mr Hain issued the apology on behalf of Labour
"The voters are in charge and that is why the selection of our candidate tomorrow night will be entirely by the party in Blaenau Gwent reflecting the wishes of the people in Blaenau Gwent which didn't happen last time."
Mr Hain said the apology was coming from him "as secretary of state for Wales, speaking for Welsh Labour and on behalf of the national executive, the party leadership and the government".
However, judging by the response of Blaenau Gwent voters it may be too little, too late. We shall see.
