by Atul Hatwal
Rule 2: Use the government’s tax and spending plans as a bridge back into the argument
All oppositions start their lives with a trust deficit on the economy.
Defeat at a general election is the most stark demonstration of voters’ lack of faith. It is the public sending a clear message that they do not believe that the party has either the policies or the capability to deliver on their promises of a brighter tomorrow.
The pre-eminent requirement for an opposition is to bridge this trust gap, as quickly as possible.
But deprived of power, and the ability to demonstrate how alternative policies would have been more effective than the government’s, the options are limited.
