Two of Labour's most incisive critics explore the performance of the Blair government's first administration. They compare the pledge made in the manifesto with the government's actions, and they seek to establish which groups have had their interests served, and which have been sidelined. The book examines every aspect of the administration, from their notorious attempts to manipulate the new agenda to the high profile attempts to reduce class sizes, the levels of child poverty and rates of long-term unemployment. It should provide the most comprehensive and fair-minded report on the achievements and failures of New Labour.