But the "hard left" remained a problem and its champion Tony Benn - regarded by Mr Kinnock's supporters as a "clear liability to the new model Labour Party" - was seeking the Labour nomination for the Chesterfield by-election.

BBC: NEWS | UK | UK Politics | First 100 days: Neil Kinnock

That will require adopting a more aggressive Anglo-Saxon business model where labour is more flexible and red tape is slashed.

FORBES: The Euro: A Lobster Pot Currency

He is known to admire aspects of Britain's economic system, notably its flexible labour markets - a model rejected by many on the French left.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | Sarkozy hails 'pragmatic' Blair