Blair confirmed the suspicions of many on the left by condoning the economic strategy of the coalition, refusing to criticise Cameron's cuts, and by revealing a political ideology that has little to do with social democracy and everything to do with Thatcherism.
The only thing Blair had to say to his former campaigners, voters and defenders on the left was how we might think about adopting Thatcherite policies to get elected. Oh, and that he regretted Freedom of Information and the fox hunting ban.
So far, so smug. But the ex-PM gave the game away when he talked about New Labour.
Blair understands better than anyone that an entity like New Labour is destined for electoral success because it adopts the social and economic programme of the opposition. It simultaneously offers opposition voters an alternative to their natural party, while depriving its own grass roots of any viable electoral alternative.
The only problem, as Labour now appear to be realising, is that such an entity has no reason to exist other than to win elections.
The candidates for the Labour leadership are making all the right noises to appeal for party members' votes. Let's hope they genuinely understand that Labour is irrelevant unless it dedicates itself to dismantling social and economic inequality, and rebuilding society in a fairer way.
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