When government borrowing is heading out of control, and spending increases at 7% per annum, we know that a scorched Britain policy is in the mind of Brown. If he cannot have the seat, no-one can.
That is why we see the continuation of the Identity card scheme, which is now being demanded compulsorily of airport workers. The trade union, Unite, has opposed this on the grounds of civil liberties and practicality: ID cards do not work, cost their members money (at a time of stagflation) and increase state oppression. It is doubtful that abolition of ID cards was part of trade union demands of Labour.
If Brown is focused on the two year long haul, we can see that his mantra of tough long-term decisions is really a strategy for bringing in those policies in full that his government deems appropriate. Will we see an acceleration in implementation for ID cards, comprehensive schools, the nationalisation of the universities and road pricing?