Gillingham greets Gordon

DAY TWO of Gordon Brown's campaign to convince a doubting public that he is different from Blair finds him in Gillingham where he famously shared an ice cream with the outgoing PM during the last general election.

Is he here to talk to local residents about poor housing, low pay and the rape of the NHS by big business? No, it's another stage-managed photo-opportunity.

Our demonstration by local anti-war and anti-privatisation campaigners is ignored and goes unreported in the national media.

This doesn't stop us making our voice heard and worrying the plain-clothed police officers who are not expecting any opposition. "How many are you expecting?," asks one ashen-faced officer. "Difficult to say once word gets around," we replied.

Addressing the demonstration, local residents nod in agreement when I say Brown was equally responsible for the pro-big business policies of Blair's administration.

It is time to build a new workers' party that represents ordinary people against the power of big business.

Chas Berry, Medway