Labour's Armani suits detest Blackpool

PITY Blackpool. The faded queen of British holiday resorts, once the pride of Lancashire, languishes in a sea of decay, its trams clanking on their last wheels, the boarding houses failing even to attract those on social benefits.

Blackpool helped elect a Labour government. Both constituencies chucked out the Tories in 1997 and remained loyal to Blair ever since, even though Labour has turned its back on the Irish Sea coast and found Manchester a more convivial spot to hold its annual conference. No reward whatsoever for Blackpool's loyalty from the Armani suits which now run the party.

Blackpool is nearly beyond help. I say nearly because it could be regenerated by a super casino, which would bring in vast riches to the resort. But for the Government's Ms Posh - Tessa Jowell - Blackpool is a lost cause and she agreed that the super casino should go to . . . you've guessed it, Manchester.

MPs approved the plans by 30 votes, but the Lords chucked them out by three. That means the super casino in Manchester fails, as do plans for 16 smaller regional gambling dens, including one at Great Yarmouth, another town where the Golden Mile is tarnished.

Ms Jowell, who will be dumped once Gordon becomes PM, is in a dilemma. Resurrect Manchester or bow down to sentimental Old Labour and plump for Blackpool. No contest. Smart glitzy New Labour and Ms Jowell won't lift a finger to help Blackpool.

Never mind, the Tories will be there in October for their annual conference. Blackpool may be something nasty on the bottom of New Labour's shoe, but Dave hasn't turned his back on the Winter Gardens  he'll be flying the flag for good old fashioned working class values.