Beneath the Bed Rock

You can be forgiven for not immediately recognising the picture, left. Herbert Henry Asquith is no longer one of Britain most memorable PMs. Elected in 1910, HHA made way for David Lloyd George in 1916. His significance today is 1910 was the last occassion the Labour party scored less than 20% in a national poll, that is until Sunday. They weren't even a national party then.

One must look at a hundred years of history to measure the depths Labour has sunk to. It is over 90 years since the Conservative Party beat Labour in the popular vote in Wales. Brown has managed to pull off what seemed impossible: he has taken Labour below its bedrock support.

The results in the South West and South East were, if anything, even worse. Labour came 5th in both regions behind the Lib-Dems and Greens with only 7.7% and 8.2%. In these areas, UKIP outpolled Labour 3:1 and also beat them nationally. The numbers are only part of the tragedy; the body politic must now lend respectability to the fascist BNP. Labour's collapse means Nick Griffin has every opportunity to spout his bigotry and lies on national media.

But despite several high profile resignations, the party still did not move against Brown. Last night's PLP meeting was a pitiful display of forced support, a facade of executive power. The paralysis of the party is complete, they are resigned to their demise.

Faced with such political tumult Asquith would have simply opened another bottle. Labour members will be fortunate to find any solace elsewhere.