Despite jubilant singalongs in the bars of Liverpool to Keir Mather MP playing Chappell Roan, or Oliver Coppard’s playlist of Sheffield’s greatest hits, the mood on the conference floor was far from Hot To Go (for those over 35, that is a Chappell Roan reference). 

Conference tension 

After 14 years in opposition, the party is still adjusting to the machinery of government. Amidst briefings against Starmer’s top team, scrutiny on donations, and the winter fuel allowance fallout, the party leadership urgently needed to take control of the conference mood to inject enthusiasm and confidence in this Government’s direction. 

The day after conference, however, the media still isn’t finished with stories around donations, and with the Budget and Spending Review around the corner, there lacked a major policy announcement that may have changed the mood music.  

A Long Term Strategy

That lack of major policy announcement was quite deliberate. While the electorate were treated to a flurry of announcements in the Government’s first weeks – think 1.5 million homes targets, planning and onshore wind overhaul, GB energy launch, junior doctor’s pay deal – Number 10 wants to move towards a mission led rather than announcement driven approach to governing. 

What do the 200 odd newbie MPs think? Behind the scenes of the somewhat ‘green’ Parliamentary party there is some frustration – with new MPs worried about what they see as a failure to explain the Government’s strategic direction and to shut down unhelpful stories quickly. 

Looking ahead: Labour’s next steps 

It wasn’t all doom and gloom. It was the party’s best attended conference to date, and across fringes, there were positive noises from industry regarding the stability that has returned to policy delivery and commitments to long-term strategy bringing the investor confidence so sought after by Number 11’s growth mission. 

To shore up this stability, ministers and MPs alike stuck steadfast to key messages and top lines. As a result, businesses are struggling to break through the headlines and get clear answers to more granular policy challenges. For some attendees, Business Day also didn’t bring the clarity they hoped for, owing to disappointment at minimal ministerial engagement during the event. Despite very positive reviews of its approach prior to the election, the Government needs to be careful not to be seen to be going backwards in its approach to business engagement. 

Despite these challenges, Starmer’s ask of membership and industry at conference was clear – be patient with me as I make the tough decisions needed to course correct 14 years of Conservative government. But with so many unforced errors in less than 40 days sitting time, there remains concern amongst MPs and the wider membership. 

What next? To steal a nautical reference from Wes Streeting, all eyes now fix on the October budget to blow some wind in Labour’s sails. 

To speak to our Public Affairs team, please contact Alan Boyd-Hall, Head of Public Affairs: alan.boyd-hall@grayling.com