In the first of the Fabian Society's Labour Leadership essays, Diane Abbott writes that ideology is crucial if Labour shadow ministers are to take part in rebuilding the party.

"Without ideology, shadow ministers run the risk of being just a bunch of freelance management consultants. It is unsurprising that in the closing months of the New Labour administration some former government ministers jumped ship the better to amass directorships. In the absence of ideology, management is all the same, whether you are doing it in government or in the private sector. If you do not believe in anything, there is no question of sticking with your party to rebuild it in opposition."

You can read Diane Abbott's Fabian essay here.