Seen by Labour's "intellectual" and "old" left as a joke candidate and provoking disdain amongst those on the Conservative right, Hazel Blears' mildly self-depreciating campaign for the deputy leadership of the Labour Party is gradually gaining support, nevertheless.

Miss Blears understands the vital importance of continuing to be relevant and attractive to so-called "middle class" voters and holding the political centre-ground.  This insight appears to be rapidly vanishing amongst a large section of the ascendant Labour hierarchy who do no more than pay it lip service.

If elected, Hazel Blears promises to ensure that the voice of the Labour Party membership is heard in cabinet.  She will do as she says. She is not a politician who deigns to acquaint herself with her constituents only once every four or five years. She listens to what people have to say and is described by supporters as "both considerate and tough" and as having an "ability to connect with voters like few other politicians." She has been politically astute by highlighting that it does not follow that the Prime Minister should automatically appoint the deputy leader as the deputy prime minister.

It is overlooked that Tony Blair's ability to appeal to a wide swathe of voters leading to the 1997 General Election and beyond was not the only reason for his historic election victories. A tired Government that after eighteen years had overstayed its welcome was always going to lose badly an election against an invigorated Official Opposition Party led by a popular new leader. More importantly, by 1997 and until 2005 the prospect of a Labour Government had ceased to frighten core supporters comprising the liberal, progressive wing of the Conservative Party. A significant minority of these supporters ceased their political activitism, thereby contributing to the loss of marginal constituencies.

Hazel Blears is popular with ordinary people.  She does not frighten the horses.  She is liked even though she is a Labour politician and a ready apologist for the nightmare that this Labour Government has become.  Whilst support from certain quarters of the centre-right might be tongue in cheek, the affection and respect for Miss Blears generally is genuine.  Labour activists ignore that at their peril.  Election of the current favourites for the leadership and deputy leadership can only assist the Labour Party's opponents' cause.

Hazel Blears for Deputy Leader of the Labour Party

The Chief Constable of North Wales, Richard Brunstrom's most irritating fault is that he almost always overstates his case, thereby undermining it.  Excessive speed is a killer, but there is inadvertent speeding and there is deliberate (often reckless) speeding. In failing to differentiate between the two he alienates those very citizens whose support he needs, just as with his beloved speed cameras.

It was unacceptable that he had not sought the permission of the families whose sons had been killed before showing photographs of their mutilated bodies to journalists and local authority representatives at a meeting to promote his Force's road safety work. Nevertheless, it is right that we be reminded of the consequences of irresponsible speeding and substandard driving, combined.  It is so easy to forget that in a collision, even when protected by seatbelts, airbags, collapsing bonnets and safety bars, the human body can suffer serious injury.  At high speeds it can simply disintegrate.

Shock tactics such as these should not be used too often lest their impact be weakened and relatives' permission for publication should be sought, always.  Had Mr Brunstrom not had the reputation of being the  "Mad Mullah of the Traffic Taliban" and with the permission of the relatives, perhaps he would not have caused such a furore.

Richard Brunstrom: Chief Constable and now humble Blogger