There is little debate that the first year of the Labour Government has been fraught. Despite some policy progress, the past few months have been marked by a string of resignations, u-turns and revolts among the Parliamentary Labour Party. Business relations have become strained and the Government feels bruised by poor public polling, entering Conference as an administration on the back foot.

It was in this context that the party faithful gathered in Liverpool at what can only be described as a conference lacking spark. This is remarkable, really, given we’re just over one year on from a landslide election and Labour has a sizable parliamentary majority. But against a backdrop of economic woes – and the rise of Reform – there’s a feeling that Starmer has tried to please everyone and in doing so pleased no-one, straying into the rhetoric of the right, and flip-flopping between a platform of social justice and economic growth at all costs.

The PM’s speech yesterday was a rallying cry: Labour will “renew Britain”, he said, and restore much-needed pride in communities. Throughout, Starmer appealed to so-called British values of respect and decency, a bid to reclaim a narrative of patriotism and pose the Government as the rational, sensible antidote to Reform-led chaos and division. The speech was hailed by allies as Starmer’s ‘most political’ yet, and he was reportedly speaking from the heart – the rumour mill suggesting it was largely penned by the Prime Minister himself, contrary to the usual behind-the-scenes drafting efforts from Downing Street advisers.

Light on policy, this didn’t feel like a speech for business. Indeed, the PM conceded that the Government has “asked a lot” from industry, and hinted that businesses might shoulder a short-term pinch for the benefit of long-term economic gain. There were also warnings of difficult choices, weathering storms and global volatility – setting the tone for trade-offs and compromises at the Autumn Budget next month.

In the room, the ultimate goal was to demonstrate change in action – to reassure jittery members and urge the party faithful for patience and trust that government can deliver. But outside the conference hall, the challenge for the PM will now be ensuring his vision resonates with voters at a tangible level amidst a political environment dominated by culture wars and polarisation. Rhetoric aside, will voters feel better off and see proof that the policy programme is working?

What will be most telling, though, is not what Starmer said but how it lands within his own party. The deputy leadership race is already being touted as a proxy war between Starmer and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. This is perhaps unfair, for both Philipson and Powell are two accomplished leaders in their own right. Nonetheless, the contest has highlighted a growing divide between the Cabinet and dissatisfied voices on the soft-left. It’s unsurprising then that Starmer used his platform to fire some thinly-veiled shots towards the Burnham camp, steadfastly recommitting to the Government’s fiscal rules and rejecting a wealth tax and other so-called ‘easy solutions’.

So, behind the platform of national renewal, factions are deepening. Over warm wine and nibbles, the questions on everyone’s lips: has Andy Burnham moved too soon? Can Sir Keir step up to the fight of his political life? And does the Labour Party need a change of direction to tackle the threat of Reform?

Ministers have been quick to dismiss hints of an impending rift within the party (as one might expect). But, in this new order, it seems Labour must quickly decide which party it wishes to be. For now, not being Reform might just be enough.

To get in touch with our Public Affairs team, please contact Helena.Cox-Smith@grayling.com.