**Monday Briefing: Can Labour Shift the Mood at Its First Conference in Power?** In today’s newsletter, we explore whether Labour can rejuvenate its message at its annual conference in Liverpool, following criticism of its pessimistic tone and recent controversies surrounding Keir Starmer. Good morning. Since Labour's victory in July, the party's messaging has taken a decidedly downbeat turn. Instead of capitalizing on the optimism that accompanied their significant win, Keir Starmer has focused on foreboding forecasts of challenging times ahead. His recent message to the nation emphasized that “things will get worse before they get better.” Critics argue that starting his premiership with such low expectations is a risky political move; if there was ever a time to inspire hope and positivity, it is now. As the party conference begins, many are questioning whether the government will move past the gloom that has defined its initial months in office and shift the narrative toward a more hopeful vision for the future. In a recent interview, Starmer expressed his intention to present a more optimistic outlook for Britain. In other news, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with reports of an Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced individuals, resulting in seven fatalities. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has declared an “open-ended battle of reckoning” with Israel, following a series of rocket attacks, as global powers urge both sides to de-escalate tensions. On the political front, Rachel Reeves is set to announce investigations into over £600 million worth of Covid contracts awarded during the Conservative government, as Labour seeks to regain the initiative amid ongoing ethical scrutiny. In Sudan, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed grave concern over a full-scale assault on the city of al-Fashir by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, calling for an immediate halt to the violence. In business news, the pub industry is facing significant challenges, with an average of fifty pubs closing each month in England and Wales during the first half of the year. Experts warn that potential tax increases in 2025 could exacerbate these difficulties for many establishments. On a more positive note, fuel prices in the UK are experiencing a notable decline, with households now paying approximately £4 less to fill up their cars compared to a month ago. As Labour's conference unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the party can successfully pivot from its current narrative and inspire a more optimistic vision for the future.