Labour has lost its senses if it thinks Liz Kendall is a Tory

Here are four things that Liz Kendall has said during the Labour leadership campaign. First, that she would never close a successful school. Second, that the country should always come first, not the party. Third, that the UK should spend at last 2 per cent of GDP in defence. And finally, that Harriet Harman is right — Labour need to understand that the voters did not trust them on welfare, and that regaining that trust is as important as gaining a reputation for economic competence.

To a voter, none of this is particularly controversial. Good schools, patriotism, strong defence and fair welfare — that’s what they want, that’s what government should deliver. None of it is vote winning – but then why should it be? It is surely political common sense that your party should be aligned with the public. You won’t win many extra votes by being there – but you can sure lose them if you fall out with the public.