Alastair Stewart: I think there remain contradictions between Labour's policies and their core brand

I’ve simply asked this morning if Labour have crossed the line into seriously threatening territory as Mr Johnson and his party wrestle with their own current challenges and as the nation moves out of covid and, hopefully, recovery.

No judgement on Johnson or the Tories… Its all about the choices you are offered by our precious democracy, by all political parties.

You may be Tory to your bones - or Labour - or Liberal Democrat - or Green.

I don’t care and, anyway, its none of my business. What is my business is to report on and discuss the state of our democracy in which, as the cliche goes, ‘it takes two to tango’.

Having no decent Opposition is a seriously dangerous state of affairs. I’m not diminishing policy challenges, either: Labour’s recent claim to the be the party of business, as it demands a windfall tax on the energy companies, will take some squaring.

Sir Keir’s acceptance of Barry Gardiner’s explanation of funding received from a known Chinese agent left many surprised, to say the least: ”He’s given an account. He’s explained his position and declared that money in accordance with the register”.

For many, that simply wasn’t good enough.

Finally Starmer says his Labour party has finally moved on from challenging Brexit: on that, the jury is out, too.

So it is about policy, about personalities and it is about purpose. Have they got it?

I retain my doubts about Sir Keir but am impressed by several on his new front bench. I think there remain contradictions between some of their policies and their core brand. And I think the hard left, I are up seeing as entryists, remain alive and keeping.

So my conclusion, lie school report: there’s progress but problems remain. Could be better and, for democracy’s sake, should.