This is the kind of area in which Labour shine. If only they had Gordon Brown at the helm, they could easily storm the next general election, where the latest FT Poll put them at a two-figure majority – very good in most circumstances, but a big drop for Mr Blair. The Conservatives are doing some serious catch-up work – only a two point difference now – which is obviously good for my wish of a close-run thing, with no party having a very large majority.