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It is said ‘history is written by the victors’ but in Labour’s leadership contest, it seems the architects of our defeat are attempting to steal the pen.

To survive, we must understand why we lost and articulate a bold vision for the future. It seems ridiculous to point out it was not our policies that led to defeat.

For some, that would be a neat conclusion allowing them to return to a bland centrism of 2015. But it isn’t true. Labour lost because of our Brexit position, infighting, a collapse of industry in our communities and a lack of trust in our ability to deliver.

(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Talk of a second referendum was seen by many as a way to foist Remain upon them. Communities represented by Labour for generations felt abandoned. It is time to outline a positive vision of the future outside of the EU.

Divided parties can’t win. Let’s get back to debating in a forthright but respectful way, remembering what we have in common and stop reinforcing press attacks on our own party.

Industries around which many of our communities were built have gone.

We must rebuild our links through a strong community organising unit that delivers for local people. We also need to regain trust in our ability to deliver a better life.

Labour needs to better understand the power held by local authorities, the good work already done and to help unleash transformative politics where we hold power. For Labour to win again we need to understand why we lost and to rebuild trust and power in our communities.

We don’t have the divine right to exist as a party – we need to earn it.