Letter: Miliband's task

Does Labour have genuine cause for celebration over the result of the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election (your report, 15 January)? A realistic response would be relief combined with some cause for optimism.

A 5 per cent swing against the Liberal Democrats, supposedly tainted with all sort of sins, from treachery to indifference to human suffering, is hardly a political earthquake. There is a lot more to be done in terms of raising leader Ed Miliband's profile and outlining a programme people can identify with.

One of the reasons for the relatively poor performance was the manner of the former MP Phil Woolas's departure. The poll also took place at a time when a former and an existing Labour MP have been convicted over expenses fraud. The publicity no doubt caused some disaffection among its grassroots support.

Mr Miliband could do his leadership and his party's fortunes a favour by showing he is really serious about reform. The fact that all parties are implicated in this is no excuse for inaction. A strong opposition will not only put on display practical policies, but set a real example in terms of setting standards in public life.

BOB TAYLOR

Shiel Court

Glenrothes