The battle to replace Job Cohen as leader of the Dutch Labour Party (PvdA) has begun in earnest. MPs Martijn van Dam and Diederik Samsom both say they want to set a new course for the party, built on its old ideals.

Thirty-four-year-old Mr Van Dam says it is time for a new PvdA, proposing a party that responds to today’s questions and “gives people the tools to take charge of their own lives”. He wants to reshape thr Labour party and “work hard on a new Netherlands”. He favours reforms in education and government.

Mr Samsom, 40, wants PvdA ideals translated into clear choices so there is no more fuss about the party course. He wants to see reforms in the labour market, salary systems, mortgage interest tax relief and investment in sustainable energy. In 2008, Mr Samsom worked for the environmental organisation Greenpeace. He is seen as a left-winger in the party.

On Monday, Mr Cohen announced his resignation as Labour leader and chair of the parliamentary party. Continual criticism of his leadership has come from the press and within his party.

Next month, the PvdA elect a new leader who will also serve as parliamentary party chair. In the interim, Jeroen Dijsselbloem has taken over Mr Cohen's duties.

Candidates from all levels of the party are eligible to lead the PvdA into the next general election. One name that has dropped off the list is that of Amsterdam alderman Lodewijk Asscher. He has said he will only consider whether or not to run for this position next year.

(nc/kh/jric)

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