The Oldham by-election was a good deal better for Labour than most commentators thought it would be. 60% of the vote on a low turnout after the death of a much liked local MP with a big personal following is unusual. It reinforces everything this blog has said about the mismatch between Westminster Labour and the people. It demonstrates that Labour’s problem is not Corbyn. It is the remnant of New Labour. About eighty of them. The sooner they cross the floor of the House the better.