**Keir Starmer Faces Challenges as Donations Scandal Overshadows Labour Conference** As the Labour conference unfolds, the ongoing donations scandal continues to cast a shadow over Keir Starmer's leadership, prompting calls from allies for a shift in strategy. During the election campaign, Starmer adopted a clear communications strategy: focus on Labour's strengths and avoid being drawn into the Conservatives' agenda on issues like culture and taxation. The mantra was to stay on message and rise above distractions. However, this approach works best when a party is ahead in the polls. Even during the campaign, there were moments when sticking rigidly to this strategy proved problematic. Now, as the party grapples with the fallout from the donations controversy, the need for a reassessment of tactics has become increasingly apparent. The situation calls for a more adaptable approach, as the current strategy may not be sufficient to navigate the challenges ahead.