One of the key reasons given by Brownites for their long putsch against Blair was that Tony was resented by the activist base and traditional supporters. Some of the Labour base see Brown’s co-opting of the three Tory “useful idiots” as clever politicking, but many others are uneasy. The symbolism of Thatcher back in No. 10 has proved too much for many. With his tough stance on public-sector pay plus his PFI’ing of the NHS and schools many socialists are wondering if they haven’t got another right-winger in Downing Street.

Even Brownite media stalwarts like Kevin Maguire are choking on the latest Thatcherite symbolism – “The sight of her in Downing Street still turns my stomach after all these years…. It was a calculated political gamble by Mr Brown. But for a Labour PM to flaunt a Rusty Lady despised, yes despised, with good reason by Labour voters is provocative political transvestism… gut reactions still count in politics, with many Labour folk wanting to throw up.”

The GMB’s Paul Kenny reckons “This is a huge mistake which will cost Labour credibility with their voters and communities up and down the land that still bear scars of the damage she caused.” John McDonnell MP says “It is hard to imagine a greater insult to the Labour and Trade Union movement.” “Don’t forget misery Thatcher caused” rants the Mirror’s political editor Oonagh Blackman at Gordon.

Activists on LabourHome are reflective but not impressed. “Personally I’d much prefer the Government to actually start making some fundamental policy decisions instead of being in permanent campaign mode. It’s all very well having a so-called ‘big tent’ but what’s the end game?” Others complain “there does have to come a point when he stops trying to woo the right-wing and comes up with some solid policies.”

“It’s all very well inviting Thatcher around and recruiting Tory MP’s/Lib Dem MPs to head task forces. Not actually sure how it’s a vote winner down my local pub?” One disaffected activist sums up the feeling of many about Brown treating with Thatcher: “Disgusting. Insulting. He just lost us thousands of votes from Labour supporters.”

Political transvestism may seem like clever politics in Westminster, but it doesn’t go down so well with the people who got rid of Tony Blair and want Labour to return to its roots.

UPDATE : Tribune has an editorial attacking Brown.