Runcorn result shows why Labour needs to stop offering 'more of the same', leftwing groups Momentum and Compass say

 

The Runcorn and Helsby result has triggered calls from people on the left of Labour for a new approach from Keir Starmer.

This is from Sasha das Gupta, co-chair of Momentum, the leftwing Labour group originally set up to promote Jeremy Corbyn’s policies.

The Runcorn and Helsby byelection result shows what can happen to a Labour government that takes its core voter base for granted. To lose a safe seat so early into its parliamentary term, whilst the far right makes advances across the country, should raise alarm bells in the party.

By continuing austerity, pandering to the far right and failing to offer real change, the Labour Leadership risks handing the country to the likes of Nigel Farage.

It’s time MPs, councillors, party members and the wider labour movement speak out and demand the government change course. This starts with the upcoming vote on welfare cuts. MPs must vote against these cruel and unnecessary measures and stand up for the most vulnerable in society.

And this is from Neal Lawson, a soft left Labour activist who runs Compass, a progressive group committed to pluralism and electoral reform.

Despite Reform scraping it by the skin of their teeth, Labour are squandering their general election victory – people in Runcorn voted for change and instead Labour are giving them more of the same. It’s paving the way for Reform.

Labour need to understand that if people want Reform’s policies then they will vote for Reform - and if they can close the gap this much in 11 months, imagine what it might be in five years.

What should terrify Labour strategists in Runcorn is that the Green vote went up [see 6.17am] – even though Green voters knew this might let Reform in. Labour is simply not progressive enough to win even tactical support.