Some brief, slightly belated observations on the by-election result at Inverclyde in which Labour did better than many would have expected, but which confirms a trend that should concern Labour’s UK leaders.

If Labour is serious about refounding itself than it will have to show a lot more confidence in its membership than it has to date. That will mean letting go somewhat and coming to terms with the fact that control isn’t working.

Labour finds itself once again in dire straits in the South. More than ever winning a UK election means winning in England and that cannot be achieved without the South. To do so Labour needs to stop beating itself up and understand what went right with New Labour. It also needs to find a political purpose for its members in areas where it cannot realistically hope to win.

The future of Scotland’s governance looks set to be a major issue for UK politics in the years ahead. It is in Labour’s interests in England and Wales as much as in Scotland to make the uncomfortable decisions now.

There is a whole wide ranging debate to be had around Labour’s reticent approach to broadening democracy but perhaps we could begin by looking at our own candidate selection processes.

Observing the change in control at Reading Borough Council’s Annual Meeting was an evening’s free entertainment. The fuss being made by the Conservative and Liberal Democrats was a retty lame media stunt. Rarely have you seen such a bunch of sour grapes. They should remember the British don’t love bad losers.

Whatever the outcome the ‘YES’ campaign was lousy. But it was cursed with a dire context. Thanks Nick.

Given its timing and how it has been trailed, the ‘pause for thought’ on the NHS reforms looks like a tactical retreat.

There is a clear motive for burying good news about the public’s view of the NHS shaped by Labour. A motive sharpened by the lack of a mandate for an ideologically driven policy. In such circumstances it is legitimate to question whether or not ministers knew of, approved or instigated that interment.

Barnsley Central was so much better than Labour could have expected.

Full result:
Labour 14724 (60.79%)
UKIP 2953 (12.19%)
Conservative 1999 (8.25%)
BNP 1463 (6.0%)
Ind 1266
Lib Dem 1012 (4.17%)
Others 802
Labour maj 11771 Turnout 36.5%