Can Labour re-engage with its core vote by attacking middle class benefits?

Derek Simpson’s complaint that Labour has failed to keep in touch with its core vote and his half-threat to withdraw Unite’s support over cuts feature prominently across the papers this morning. Simpson’s observation concurs with the consensus that Labour’s disastrous showing in June’s local and European elections and the Norwich by-election was the consequence of its core vote abstaining or defecting to fringe parties; the party’s continued poll freefall is also explained in these terms. So, how to woo the working class and the unions whilst selling divisive public service cuts? Jackie Ashley writes that the best way is to attack middle class benefits:

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‘So how can Labour remain honest about the need for cuts and yet persuade millions of worried people that it is still worth turning out to vote?

They have to look hard at middle class benefits, as indeed the IoD/Taxpayers’ Alliance are doing, and the Conservatives will too.