Putting our Left Foot Forward

Can you blame us for being cynical Will?

Apart from setting up the blog, what have YOU done? A few posts on here that I would say have been slated in the majority of cases. Have you publicaly taken any MP's to task?

The only posts on here I can see of any real support is from Thomas and Gabe. And nothing personal to Gabe but he very much follows party line so I wouldn't have expected anything else.

Nice to see you have finally posted a response to something, though I note you haven't (at the time of writing) answered some of the others like Ralph Baldwin's or William Silver's.

Nice to see you back Ralph.

Have to say every time Willie boy posts on here I feel it's a left foot backwards for Labour. There's no substance. Lots of "we will do this" but no actual doing!!

True - but I admire Mr Plato. Unfortunately the same cannot be said of Mr Straw.

I had so many run ins with the SWP at Uni it became an everyday experience.

I remember on of them drunkly accusing me in one of the Union bars of wanting to pull out babies fingernails because I was a Tory, just after a couple of thousand students had trashed one of their more deranged motions at an EGM.

But you are right, I've never seen anything as vitriolic and nasty as members of different left factions turning on each other.

"I would be happy to send you our writing guide."

OOOOooo, can I have a copy too?

If you wish to donate, no matter how big or small"


He wants money. God knows what for. Old Holborn blog has cost me bugger all.

I don´t know why some people make a meal of setting up a simple website. Last one I set up up from scratch cost me
.95 to register the domain
.95 for a years registration

Software - Free, I used Wordpress, which I see Straw is also using.
Template - Free

Setup time about 10 minutes.

Ongoing costs, per month for hosting.

The technical aspect of all this is very easy, millions of people worldwide run Wordpress blogs, there´s nothing to it. You could get the average interested teenager to set all this up for a few pounds cash in hand.

Value for money in IT porjects has not been labour's strong point has it tho?

You mean you've never been to a student SWP meeting where all the privately educated people compete to affect the most mockney accent, thereby avoiding accusations from other privately educated people? Guy, you haven't lived.

Mr Straw. I really do find you a little too good to be true. You seem to have inherited your dad's habit of trying to be all things to all men. After your time in the States, you come home and find the Blair/Brown/Straw years are over and despised, as much by real Labour supporters as Tories LidDems etc, so you try one last frantic through of the dice.

You are "left wing" are you? Did you support the idea of John McDonnell standing for the Leadership back in 2007 for example?

Mike - thats what comprehensives are for...

To keep the lower orders in their place so they don't make too much of a fuss about being ruled by the elite.

If anyone dares to teach the slaves to read there will be hell to pay!

This oik has scrimped and saved to give his oik-spring some social mobility - they are at private school and should be ruling over this generation of comprehensive kids at some point in the future.

Nothing like a bit of Labour class war and the politics of envy, you even direct at your own party members.

Good reply and not one I can really argue with.

I openly admit I am quick to reply harshly at times as with my initial comment indicating I'd be walking in the opposite direction from this new blog, but you are right that it should be judged on its content over a period of time rather than a snatched view on any given day. Thinking about it logically the first time I saw the LL I wouldn't have reviewed it positively until I got to know the place.

Only time will tell with the non-partisan approach or whether the cynics are proved wrong.

I'll tell you why.
You just come out here and look at the local Comprehensive yourself (one of the worst in England with results at a staggering 24%) and the way that the path to the Grammar School costs, yes, costs, £10,000 a year. To you, I suppose, that is just pocket money. Public School? It costs twice their annual income for most local people - so forget it. I have lost count of the number of desperate parents I have seen with their children faced with bullying, hopelessness, drugs, early, lonely pregnancy and then no A level courses because the local College was refused a grant.
Just stick to your caviar, young chappie, and shut up.

Fresh out of the local Comprehensive with one GCSE in media studies, this unemployed youth, son of the Labour leaning Jack Straw tells it like it is. He knows, from bitter experience what life on the street is like. He knows what it is to go without your benefits. He knows the misery of drugs. Later this year he is to be invited onto the Jeremy Kyle show to discuss the future of his kids.
Remember, Labour is the party that CARES about the DISADVANTAGED.

Hi Bill,

Thanks for engaging. Let me come back on the two questions of "non-partisan" and "evidence-based"

1) We are non-partisan because we do not have an editorial commitment to any particular party. Instead, we have clearly set out our progressive values and stated that, "Because we are progressive and because of the aims we’re committed to, we often find ourselves in agreement with left of centre policies and politicians. But we are focused purely on the quality of policies and furthering progressive goals, rather than on promoting individual politicians and parties." Our latest blog by Shamik Das on Vince Cable's speech this morning is a very straight bat approach to an under-reported story today with some good analysis on the numbers. http://www.leftfootforward.org/2009/09/vince-cable-calls-for-a-tax-neutral-approach-to-tackle-deficit/ We hope to do much more of this in the coming weeks and months.

Yes, there are Labour party members who have supported the blog or written for it but there are others who are not associated with the Labour party at all. We are constantly on the look out for new contributors so long as they share our values. In addition to our "expert contributors" we have a "Guest" slot where others can contribute. All we ask is that they share our broad values and stick to the style guide. If you want to write, drop me an email at editor@leftfootforward.org and I would be happy to send you our writing guide.

2) On evidence-based, the point is that we don't do gossip or "I think" opinion pieces. Instead, we have asked all our contributors to ensure that their articles contain hyperlinks for every point they make and we are using lots of data. Admittedly this may make it a bit dull for some readers at times but on serious policy issues, we hope we can shed some light on important issues. But we are only human and so will probably make mistakes along the way. But that, after all, is one of the great things about blogging because readers can set us straight where we get it wrong. I hope we can rely on you to join in.

Best wishes,

Will

Nice posh-boy presentation.

But look, we need politics without the kids of current politicians jumping to the front of the line.

Yep, I'm cynical Will, very cynical.

You claim to be a non-partisan blog which is quite a claim considering the content of the site at the moment. Top story, Right Wing cuts would devastate vital services and cost jobs - that doesn't sound very non-partisan to me. The very name of the blog is Left Foot forward, surely not a name you would associate with a non-partisan group?

Do you blame anyone for being cynical though Will, seriously? You claim to have a swipe at Labour, so that automatically makes you non-partisan does it? Question, given some of the content here on the LL, would you percieve it to be non-partisan or Labour biased?

But fair play to you, yes the blog should be given a chance and judged on its content, but likewise its editor and the manner in which you present stories. Perhaps that would be much easier if I hadn't read some of your contributions to the LL and disagreed with you strongly on a number of issues, but again, I don't believe you can blame a single person for being cynical at what you have presented here.

One thing that does puzzle me is this whole evidence-based angle. Your team of experts adding value by, er, expressing their opinion based on the evidence at hand. It puzzles me because that sounds suspiciously like an admission in the first 5 seconds that you're only going to accept content from people you deem to be an expert. Would that be classified as media manipulation and bias to support a hidden agenda?

I suspect your site might have to be one of the methods for trying to rebuild Labour ideologically after the decimation they face at the next general election.

Not standing in 2010 is a very wise idea. If I was you I'd ensure I was as untainted by the NuLabour brand (if you can with your name) as can be.

If you are left wing why pretend that you are non-partisan? You obviously have an agenda so have the courage to say so.

Based on 12 years of spin, manipulation, half truths, dodgy dossiers, hiding from FoI requests and outright lies it is no surprise there is a cynical bent to the electorate.

You're a cynical lot, aren't you.

Yes, the blog is for real. Yes, we are left wing - that should be obvious from the title. Yes, we believe we can be evidence-based and independent. Yes, we're willing to take a swipe at Labour as we've already done.

No, I do not intend to be a PPC in 2010. No, my father has not contributed a penny to the blog. No, I do not believe all parties/politicians are committed to our values eg multilateral foreign policies, tackling inequality, public services that reach everyone.

How about you give us a chance and judge the site on the content?

ps Thanks very much Gabe and Thomas for the support!

I now firmly believe that the poor and disadvantaged are only a political rung on the ladder to power for the Left to
use in their ascent to the halls of Westminster

Soon forgotten about when you guys are making the power plays with the big boys in the commitee rooms in Westminster hey!

Will - why aren't you replying to this bunch of ingrates who's dissin' you up man?

I've got a left foot for you Will, and I'll gladly move it in a forward motion for you.

Have you heard the term 'political opportunist' by any chance?

Usually I would describe why I feel the way I do and try to explain my opinion in detail, but you really have made this one a lot easier for me. Stop pratting about pretending to be a carbon copy of the politicians we have and try your best for just one minute to listen to the electorate. Don't fool yourself that you are or you wouldn't have produced a video that made me wonder whether I was watching a new version of the Fast Show.

Will, the site looks good bro. Good luck.

Hokey Cokey?

not sure plato would be straw's cup of tea. a public school educated petrolhead, race driver, pilot, broadcaster and experienced tax emigre. nope. not right-on at all.

Probably gets more browser hits, too.

Public Greed. Are you serious? I guess the BNP got elected because you were doing such a good job in this area.

Fella, you need to grow up and enter the real world where your pals in the Commons are part of the public grred problem, love to see you challenge Blair on his public greed haha, methinks you would wet yourself first.

Incidently if you had handled this public greed issue I would not be in the UK now sorting out the mess made.

I have just watched the intro video, now explain to me what exactly is working class about Smith minor and his chums. What experience do they have about the common working man nad his needs.

Smith minor hasn't done a days graft in his life.

That video has turned me off the whole labourt movement - a bunch of upper middle class chaps patronising the lowly working types, knowing whats best for them and their families. Good lad - push on - what ho!

I remember Jason Plato when he was young, but I think we've strayed a bit of topic for LL!

On the site's 'Thanks' tab:

"We are also grateful for the generous support of Cathy Ashton, Matt Browne, Pat Carter, Karin Christiansen, Connect, CWU, Peter Kellner, Marcus Roberts and Henry Tinsley. Without them Left Foot Forward would not be possible. If you wish to donate, no matter how big or small"

No, Charlie. The tax rate is expressed as a pecentage of the gross pay, not the net. The basic rate is currently 20%, so each £1 contributed to your pension reduces your income tax by 20p. Therefore it effectively costs you 80p to put a pound in your pension (or 60p for higher rate tax payers).

Who's funding your little venture? Daddy? Daddy's party?

Hi Will,
Visited your site. Hopefully an accurate answer to the question I've left is forthcoming. It is after all verifiable elsewhere.

Initial impression is that it seems a step in the right direction. Oldie's right about the traffic, but if you keep adequate quality control on the information shown, then you'll lure in people trying to verify information they've found mentioned elsewhere.

Hopefully you can persuade some suitably expert people to make sure the info stands up to examination.

Where have you been for the last 12 years?

You could have done ALL of this. But didn't.

Now you want another go at it.

Will enjoy the forthcoming break in gavernment and have some quality thinking time.

And I think you mean BEST foot forward.

4. The threat of racism and extremism.

Why just the two 'isms? There are plenty of other worthy ones as well.

And Will, from your site:



If you pay the basic rate of tax (22 per cent) it therefore costs you 78p to put a pound in your pension.


That's not right is it? 22p relief on 78p gives you a total of 95p.

Had a quick look at the site

A dirt track in Chad gets more traffic.

"I keep writing articles on LabourList which bash Tories and support Labour..........."

That's it mate .... you man the barricades ... they shall not pass.

(PS) Love the bs bingo ("we are focused purely on the quality of policies and furthering progressive goals")

(PPS) " Media manipulation and bias to support a hidden agenda."
You'll be having a word with La Toynbee then?

I suppose you won't make any progress unless you put one of your feet forward.

I see from the first page of your blog that you consider not taxing things a 'cost' to the exchequer.

Nuff said really.

Yes Will, and of course every other party wants an unsustainable economy, to not feel safe etc.

Oh and regards media manipulation, lets see what happens on the blog shall we? Will be waiting for you to post stories about issues with ALL political parties, including your Dad's.

Not sure what it is but I watched the video and actually felt angry and sick. Wonder why that was? A large case of hypocracy? A dose of Champagne Socialism?

Seriously, I actually deleted the last couple of lines I had typed in because I knew Alex (quite rightly) wouldn't print language like that.

this has been bugging me for a while but the penny has just dropped. you look very like a young jason plato.

'Evidence based analysis', 'non partisan blog' My Arse! Another 'daddies boy' hanging on his father's coattails instead of doing a proper job. He'll be a ppc soon without a shred of expereince of the real world. And the labour party have the cheek to claim the tories are the party of heredity.

We are non-partisan, but we are mainly left wing, my dad is a government minister and I keep writing articles on LabourList which bash Tories and support Labour...........

Last week we had "Co-operative week", after Mandelson's spoutings today we have this. Is it "target the gullible and pull the wool over their eyes" this week?

P.S. "We are against media manipulation and administrative incompetence"........ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!!!!!!!

"We are a non-partisan blog...we are progressive and because of the aims we're committed to, we often find ourselves in agreement with left of centre policies and politicians."

By 'progressive' do you mean left wing? If so then at least have the guts to say so instead of trying to pretend that you will be in any way impartial.

I think you are all being unkind to Will Straw. I've looked at his words:

"We are a non-partisan blog. Because we are progressive and because of the aims we're committed to, we often find ourselves in agreement with left of centre policies and politicians"

And looked at the website of Left Foot Forward.

It's so patently a spoof party designed to invite ridicule and laughter that only the naive can believe it's for real.

I am right, amn't I? It's a joke. After all it cannot support labour and be progressive? It's a no go . Labour is authoritarian and anti personal freedom. Any fool can see that. ID cards etc.

Got to be a joke in bad taste.

Surely it's not serious?

I have to admire Mr Straw Jnr's cheek. Asthe scion of one of the most reactionary of the Ghastly old Waxworks in "New Labour" I find it hard to accept that he has suddenly become an advocate for left wing policy. Well, perhaps till after the next election, just in caser there is a chance NL can get re-elected......


It is hard to pretend to be left wing when you support a government that includes Bob Ainsworth and .... er, Jack Straw, and in the very recent past Hutton, Pur-nell, Flint, Blears......

I don't know what your dad is going to say, Bill. LEFT??? Whatever next? One of the most authoritarian Home Secretaries, who simpered to the ghastly Condoleeza Rice (the pictures of that visit still make me feel sick).

Are we to suppose that "New Labour" types have suddently forgotten the recent excesses of, for example, James Pur-nell?


Pull the other one......

Public greed and attempts by politicians and public servants to line their own pockets. . . Administrative incompetence . . . Media manipulation


You'd better bring your old man in for questioning then.