Anthracite Labour

A treasured picture of when I shared a platform with Michael Foot in 1979.It was a public meeting to win support for the devolution referendum. The campaign was an abject failure. As was the election of 1983 when Michael was leader. But there is no blame or resentment in the party.Michael was precious anthracite Labour. His principles were as simple and strong as the ten commandments of the socialist Sunday schools. He looked and behaved like an Old Testament prophet incongruous in the days of slick presentations. He had a fall in the 1983 campaign and walked on crutches adding the image of a collapsing leadership. We were doomed.He was a brilliant intellectual and an inspired writer. The memory of his political shortcomings will fade. His vision, honesty and optimism will endure.   After the aberration of New Labour, Michael’s ambitions will be rediscovered and New Socialism...