Letter: Miliband's targets

The complex electoral arithmetic of Ed Miliband's Labour leadership victory is less important than the strategy he now adopts (your report, 27 September).

John Curtice (Comment, same day) may be right to suggest his success represents the end of the New Labour project. It doesn't mean the end of the ideals and approach that encouraged many to support a series of Blair governments for a decade.

Well-managed public services, to keep taxes as low as possible, for government that is honest as well as effective, are still vital factors. So, too, is the need for fairness in dealings with trade unions and business, and the need to encourage enterprise and innovation as well as social justice.

Mr Miliband needs to add two items to this list: an absolute determination to clean up politics and reform voting procedures and MPs' expenses, and a credible programme for getting down the budget deficit.

This needs to be based not on soundbites or on knee-jerk reactions to union demands.

It needs to be based on concrete proposals that ordinary people will understand, even if they find it painful.

It is all very well to say the Scots voters view these things differently to those in marginal seats down south. They still want to see a leader with a clear sense of direction but who will recognise the Scottish identity, manage their party competently and recognise the desire for more autonomy.

The new Labour leader does not just need to build up his profile and make a mark in the House of Commons. He must show us all that he has the gravitas that will win respect across the social spectrum.

Bob Taylor

Shiel Court

Glenrothes, Fife