GORDON Brown s rapid recoil from the idea of holding an autumn election was a blatant example of the opportunism that typifies all leaders of the main political parties. The similarity between the main parties contrasts with the huge frustration and insec

GORDON Brown's rapid recoil from the idea of holding an autumn election was a blatant example of the opportunism that typifies all leaders of the main political parties.

The similarity between the main parties contrasts with the huge frustration and insecurity in the population as a whole. This has created a highly volatile situation.

The Tories only had to throw in the hand grenade of an increased inheritance tax threshold to undermine New Labour's support in crucial marginal seats.

Within a week Brown went from an expected clear general election victory, to a likely reduced majority or even a hung Parliament.

Brown will regret not calling an election this autumn when he goes on to face much greater economic problems as the economy goes into recession or slump.

The collapse of the American housing market, in which 220,000 families lost their homes in September alone, gives a foretaste of what will soon occur in Britain.

Scenes of ordinary people queuing outside branches of Northern Rock Bank likewise points to the precarious nature of the capitalist system.

With a general election in Britain now put off until 2009 or even 2010, the question posed is: What result of the next general election would be best for socialists?

My answer is that the best result would be the defeat of Gordon Brown's New Labour through a landslide victory of David Cameron's Conservative Party.

Such a massive defeat would lead to the collapse of New Labour as a mainstream capitalist party, leaving a vacuum that an international socialist workers' party could fill.

JOHN SMITHEE

Kingsley Avenue

Wisbech