Jeremy Gilbert argues that the Labour Party needs a new approach to both policy – where it has to divorce itself from neoliberalism – and the art of political communication. He considers what conceivable role Alan Johnson, were he to become leader, could play in such a transformation.

Part 2 of an essay on the significance of Boris Johnson’s election as Mayor of London. Here Jeremy Gilbert develops his analysis of the rise of an anti-political attitude, sponsored by political and media elites, and links it to Johnson’s success. He goes on to draw lessons for the future of the left.

Jeremy Gilbert asks why, given Ken Livingstone’s political shrewdness and general effectiveness as Mayor, he was so easily displaced by the politically inexperienced Johnson.

The election results show the left’s re-emergence as an electoral force, but the electoral system still gives ‘middle England’ disproportionate power. We must seize this opportunity to argue for proportional representation.