Howard: Labour set to shift to left

The Conservatives have attempted to repackage the "vote Blair get Brown" assault by predicting Labour is poised to "lurch to the left".

In a speech Michael Howard warned that Labour will revert to type once Tony Blair steps down.

In a bid to destabilise the government following Blair's announcement that he will not seek a fourth term, Howard
said voters have not yet grasped the implications of the prime minister's remarks.

An incoming Labour leader will be forced to yield to the demands of the left, he added.

In order to secure the leadership, Gordon Brown, or another Labour contender will need to secure support from across his party and the union movement.

That will mean the new leader will be forced to bend his policies to a party which is perceived to be more left-wing than Blair.

"So as Labour ministers jostle for position, they have to win the support of left-wing trade unions and left-wing party activists," Howard said.

"It means if Labour were to win a third term, Labour would be bound to lurch to the left."