2003 press releases

Competent but Arrogant: Local MP Gives His Verdict on Five Years of Blair in Power

Local MP Norman Baker has appeared on a panel of 50 top opinion-formers including Sir Richard Branson and Rory Bremner, to give a critical verdict on New Labour in Government for the Independent.

The Lewes MP describes Tony Blair as "a competent Prime Minister", with some skill in handling his party and foreign affairs but warns of critical flaws in his government.

The MP for Lewes blames Blair for:

• Creating an intellectual and philosophical vacuum in the Labour Party
• An over-interest in focus groups and tomorrow's headlines
• A willingness to use "every lever in the unwritten constitution" to further his powers
• Using patronage on an unprecedented scale to appoint Lords like Levy and Birt who are not accountable to the House of Commons

Speaking about his criticisms of Tony Blair and New Labour, Norman Baker says:

"While Blair might enjoy strong opinion poll ratings, I believe that he can behave in an undemocratic and arrogant way. His style of government is more presidential than prime ministerial and he increasingly bypasses Parliament."

He adds:

"Blair needs to reined in and constitutional reforms urgently need to be brought in to make government better connected with the people it is suppose to serve. A directly elected Upper Chamber and a change to the voting system."

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