Minimum Wage Labour's 'Proudest Moment'

Labour party members have voted the introduction of the National Minimum Wage as their proudest moment since coming to power in 1997.

Party supporters were asked by the official Labour website to decide on which of the Governments last twelve years' achievements they are most proud of.

Top of the list of responses was the National Minimum Wage - which has offered millions of people across the country a standard wage.

One member described its introduction as "the single biggest achievement of the Labour party. It is a seismic event".

Labour's work on improving health and education were the second and third most popular achievements.

On the NHS, one person wrote: "As someone who has worked in the NHS since 1984, I am most proud of the positive changes that have occurred within in its system since 1997."

Other achievements highlighted by members included help for pensioners; the creation of Sure Start, Tax Credits, help for the unemployed; the creation of civil partnerships; increases in international development funding; the Northern Ireland peace process; and action on child poverty.

A party spokesman said: "Diverse as these achievements are, they share in common Labour's commitment to making sure that everyone can play a role in Britain - whether they are those in need of help during difficult times, or simply people looking for a level playing field to make a better life for themselves."

The Government still lags behind the Tories in popular opinion polls, while Conservative leader David Cameron's personal approval rating is much higher than Prime Minister Gordon Brown's.

After the Budget, the Conservatives enjoyed an 18-point lead, over Labour's 27% support.

Mr Cameron received a 7-point boost, bringing his rating to 56%.

If these results were repeated at the polls the Conservatives would return to power with a 150-seat parliamentary majority.

(PR/JM)