Barking brigade gunning for Hodge

If the Barking and Dagenham local Labour Party had their way, Margaret Hodge would be in the stocks by now. They are intending to take disciplinary action against her because of her comments, which they blame for the BNP's victory in eleven seats. The BNP have already thanked her for her services.

Why is the local Labour Party blaming Margaret Hodge? That implies that those who voted BNP rushed out and did so because of what she said. As if they lacked the ability to form their own judgement. Is that really what they think of the electorate? While they are busy looking for scapegoats, the local Labour Party could do no worse than shine the torch of introspection on themselves. Could the result have had something to do with voters feeling increasingly disaffected, disenfranchised and disillusioned by local events? Just one possibility.