Did someone say Militant Tendency?

Michael Gove's attack today on Labour comes at an interesting time both electorally and for the Labour Party. 

Labelled as the 'new Militant tendency', Unite have come into CCHQ's firing line for their links to Labour MPs and, specifically, Gordon - following the announcement of BA strikes. 


Having just written a chapter on Militant for my impending dissertation, I find  the Gove announcement interesting. 


Firstly, it seems to affirm that Gove is indeed in the 'A List' - a group of Tories who will be wheeled out across the country to demonstrate that the Tories have changed. Eric Pickles, the party's chairman, has been left out. 

Secondly, in invoking the idea of Militant tendency, with their entryist strategy and Trotskyite ideology, the Tories are attempting to highlight Labour own funding 'issues' - much the same as Labour has down with Lord Cashcroft. 


It does say a lot though that the most effective tactic the 'new' Tories seem to have is to attack Union funding... 


Nevertheless, it does raise interesting prospects for the post-election environment and it seems to suggest that the Unions have once again become a rattling stick for the Tories.