Activists praise a ‘speech of a lifetime’
Tony Blair’s final Labour conference address as party leader was described as “the speech of a lifetime” by delegates in Manchester today.
“You need that kind of inspirational speech to actually motivate and I think he did a remarkable job,” said Nottingham councillor Malcolm Wood.
He told politics.co.uk that the wide-ranging speech, in which Mr Blair urged Labour activists to take on the Conservatives to win a fourth term, was like a “shot in the arm”.
Stephen Cowan, a councillor in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, said the prime minister’s speech was “classically powerful” and showed him at his best.
Mr Blair’s reflection on his achievements – the minimum wage, civil partnerships, and devolution among others – “showed the Labour party where it’s at at the moment and why it should be proud of the many things that it’s done,” he said.
Joanne Bennett, a Labour councillor from Trafford, praised Mr Blair’s comments about “healing” the party’s wounds, saying: “As long as we still talk to each other and listen to each other the party will survive.”
Another delegate, Stephanie Green from Altrincham and Sale West, praised the way the prime minister dealt with his relationship with Gordon Brown – particularly reports that his wife had called the chancellor a liar – and with Labour rebels.
“It was a well balanced speech, there was no bitterness in his voice and he got rid of the jibe with Cherie and Brown by making it a joke,” she said.
Both women also agreed with Mr Blair’s call for Labour activists to keep to New Labour principles in the future – Cllr Bennett told politics.co.uk: “You’ve got to look forward and you’ve got to be prepared to adapt and change.”
Ms Green added: “You’ve got to be pragmatic – socialist values are all well and good but they won’t all work in a modern society.”
Many delegates expressed their disappointment at Mr Blair’s departure. Eddie Drummond, a delegate from Derby South, said the prime minister was a “wonderful guy” and that it was a “tragic waste of talent” that he was stepping down as leader.
However, others accepted that the Blair era was drawing to a close. David Williams of the Society of Labour Lawyers told politics.co.uk: “I’m sad to see him go because it’s been a good ten years, but he is right. It’s time to hand on the baton.”
