LIVERPOOL WAVERTREE Labour MP Paula Barker hit back against Tony Blair today for saying that the party will have to diverge from its traditional roots to get back into power.

Ms Barker reacted to the former PM’s speech on Thursday in which he said Labour needed “head-to-toe renewal” and a more “moderate” leader.

Mr Blair did not state which leadership candidate he supports, acknowledging that his opinion would be unwelcome.

Ms Barker said Mr Blair has always been “hostile” to socialist policies.

She added: “His comments about Labour recycling old debates and policies over traditional issues like nationalisation, NHS spending and tuition fees will be treated with the contempt they deserve by commuters struggling daily with failed rail privatisation, NHS patients waiting for medical treatment and students encumbered with massive loan repayments. 

“He might do well to reflect on his own culpability for this sorry state of affairs.”

Mr Blair was also condemned by Richard Burgon for saying the party will die out if the “unrealistic” membership is not replaced.