The figure, the equivalent to 437 members per constituency, is embarrassing for the Labour leadership and could spell long-term problems. If the decline is not halted, the bank of volunteers prepared to deliver leaflets and knock on doors will be reduced in an era when spending is capped by an electoral commission. Thousands of members are thought to have quit, disillusioned over government policies and a perception that Mr Blair puts greater store on the attitudes of Middle Britain than the views of traditional supporters. As recently as 1953, Labour was claiming 1m members and, in opposition, first Gordon Brown, then John Prescott were given the job of increasing the numbers. A key member of the party's HQ acknowledged there had been a fall but claimed the 280,000 was the number fully paid-up and entitled to vote in the executive elections.
Tory membership is also well down.
A leaked report recently revealed it was hovering just above 300,000 although central office claims 350,000. In 1974 membership was 1.3m. The Liberal Democrats' membership stands at about 100,000.