Labour suffered an extraordinary set back in last week's local elections in England

losing more than 300 seats.

While the party did well, particularly in areas with city mares, and both strong gains

in places like Worthing in the south of England, it was hit hardest in those places which

until recently had voted solidly Labour from Sunderland and the Northeastern to Dudley

and Oldham.

The Western Council, then, like nearby Salford, was something of an exception.

There, the party retained the ten seats it contested, leaving it with a sizable majority.

Given the likes of Peter Mandelson say that Labour's problems stemmed from its policies

being too left-wing, this should be surprising.

After all, the council has increasingly famous for its press and model of community wealth

building, more of that in a second.

Which is why I'm so happy to be joined today by the leader of press and council, Matthew

Brown, discussed the press and model, and what Labour's response to last week's results

should be.

Does it now need to become the party of English devolution as Andy Burnham's claim?

And does it need to make a bold pitch for public control and ownership at a municipal level?

Matthew Brown, welcome to Downstreet.

Hi, Owen.

Nice to be on the show.

Thanks for being right.

It's been a long time coming, and I think we would have come up to press and had

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