Gordon's Speech

How did you think Gordon did? The Prime Minister's speech has had a mixed reaction from the press. Many think he has succeeded in strengthening his position in the Labour Party but are not convinced he has persuaded enough of the public to change their opinion of him or his policies. Clearly The Sun's announcement that it will be supporting the Conservatives at the next election is a major blow for the party's morale.

His announcements on electoral reform are particularly interesting. He has promised that a referendum would be held early in the next parliament on the alternative-vote system (something that the conservatives are opposed to). Although supporters of electoral reform are encouraged by this, they point out that Tony Blair made a pledge for reform in the 1997 manifesto which was never followed through.