Labour needs to renew its appeal to the public

OUR opinion poll findings today showing that more than half the public believe that Labour is failing to provide a proper Opposition to the Government, and that a majority would prefer Owen Smith to be the party’s leader, are troubling not just for those on the Left, but for the nation more widely. That is because the poll, carried out for this newspaper by BMG Research, also shows that most Labour supporters still back Mr Corbyn and appear willing to support him even if he continues to perform poorly in Parliament and appears likely to lead the party to a general election defeat in 2020.

Such an outcome would, no doubt, be welcomed by some Conservatives. But further years of feeble opposition would be bad for our democracy. The prospect, therefore, of Labour continuing with a leader who offers neither the policies nor the personal authority to challenge the Government is worrying. On this, Owen Smith, for all the clumsiness of his call for Labour to show more vitality and strength to “smash” Theresa May “back on her heels”, was correct. His own avowedly “socialist” agenda, including tax rises and the repeal of anti-strike legislation, appears unconvincing at best, however, and seems far from the centre ground which Labour occupied during its years of electoral success. It is thus unsurprising that today’s poll shows that despite preferring Mr Smith as Labour leader, only five per cent of people would actually be more likely to vote for the party as a result.

Here lies not just Labour’s dilemma but the public’s too. Labour’s moderates have lost control of their party and appear unable to seize it back. The answer now is for the public to help by making its views even clearer, both on the doorstep and, when the opportunity arises, in polling booths. A sensible Opposition is essential. The public’s voice should help Labour become one.