In the 1980s it was often argued that the Labour party was finished as a major force in British politics. Yet on 1st May 1997 it won a landslide victory, securing an overall majority of 179 in parliament. Two years into its term of office, it retains a strong lead in the opinion polls; in opposition, the Conservative party rummages around for something to say, and struggles for credibility. Political fortunes do, indeed, seem to have changed dramatically.