Labour Party Chair, Hazel Blears MP today called for a “new defence of politics” in a speech to the New Local Government Network.

In a strong defence of the party political system, she argued that political parties have been undermined “by a cynical media and the rise of fringe parties” and that “people in local politics are increasingly viewed as a quirky anachronism”.

She urged a change to citizenship education to teach modern politics and that new arrivals to the UK should be taught information about the political structure in the UK. She also voiced concerns that political parties are increasingly failing to engage with working class voters, arguing that this will “allow democratic politics to become the preserve of the organised, articulate middle class”.

Hazel Blears, who is currently campaigning to become Labour’s Deputy Leader, also advocated using state funding to support local political parties and that political billboard advertising should be banned. She argued:

“Any future extension of state funding of parties must be used to encourage local activity and campaigning; political education, policy-making, and support for the next generation of councillors and civic leaders.

A new settlement of state funding for parties must be seen as a worthwhile investment in our democracy, especially locally at council level, rather than taxpayers being asked to prop up a failing system.

Investment should be targeted at a regional and local level, so that state funding is not consumed by central party machines, but instead can aid local party units to build local democracy.

Political billboard advertising should be banned, as it contributes very little to election turnout or voting intentions, and costs millions”.

She also argued that the Government must embarce greater decentralisation and give local government addiutional powers if it is the reengage with the public. She said:

“democracy must come to mean more than casting a vote every few years for politicians who act on your behalf.

Everyone should have a real sense of power and control over aspects of their lives as diverse as their NHS, when the bins are emptied, how the local police operate and whether a superstore gets built.

More influence should pass into the local government ambit, for example over public health and well-being”.

She also called for a review the system of public appointments and call for a review of legislation which forbids local government workers above a certain grade from being active in politics.

Full Speech