Operation Fightback...Too little too late?

The season for politicial party conferences is underway. Last week saw Nick Clegg and his Lib Dem team focus their attention on the weaknesses of the Tory party. "Now that it's clear beyond doubt that Labour can't win, it's time for us to take the gloves off with the Tories." These were the words of Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne, highlighting the fact that the next general election could bring about the end of the Labour government. It was with this agenda that the conference took shape, with each spokesman highlighting how a Tory government would offer no respite, with Vince Cable suggesting the Tories would hike VAT to 25%. The seemingly ominous spending cuts were also high on the agenda, with changes to tax credits to the middle class one pledge from Nick Clegg. Each party seemingly trying to get one up on each other in the past few weeks on what they would be administering cuts on lead Nick Clegg to launch a blistering attack on Tory leader David Cameron, describing how he has "put the con back into the Conservatives. Just telling people what they want to hear".

This week it's Labour's turn to attempt to improve puplic opinion at their conference in Brighton. Again changes to public spending and other economic changes seem set to dominate speaches. Today Alistair Darling will reiterate the party's attempt to cut bankers bonuses. Although the Chancellor is to bring in new laws in the Autumn to curb bankers bonuses, Darling will today tell banks there is no need to wait to stop bonuses. Gordon Brown has admitted that Labour would probably be underdogs at the next general election and has began "Operation Fightback" to try and change public opinion.

Now don't get me wrong, I understand hindsight is a great thing, but surely Labour's latest offering is too little too late. Before the recession, the government seemed perfectly happy for bankers to receive these big bonuses, and high public spending. Only when it all went downhill did Labour change their view on these things. Lord Mandelson says the party is "up for the fight", but I believe it would take one hell of a fight for the Labour party to turn things around and pursuade much of Britain they still have what it takes to run the country.