Keir Starmer has expressed his ambition to instill a sense of 'hope' among the public, promising to create a "massively different and better country" as the Labour Party conference kicks off. This year's conference, taking place in Liverpool, marks a significant moment for Labour, as it is the first time in 15 years that the party is convening as the governing party.
The backdrop to this conference is a challenging political landscape. Prime Minister's approval ratings have taken a hit, with concerns mounting over the economy and recent controversies surrounding government decisions, including issues related to freebies and the ongoing fallout from the Sue Gray affair.
Reflecting on the party's past, Starmer noted that the last Labour conference following a summer general election was in 2017, which ended on a high note despite the party's loss, thanks to Jeremy Corbyn's unexpectedly strong performance. However, the current atmosphere is less celebratory, with Starmer's own approval ratings declining and the government emphasizing the difficult economic situation it has inherited.
In a pre-conference interview with the Observer, Starmer committed to safeguarding public services from further austerity measures. He recalled his experiences running a public service during the coalition government's austerity policies, which he believes caused lasting damage. "We are not going down the road of austerity," he stated firmly.
Starmer acknowledged the need to confront the challenges inherited by his government, emphasizing that the conference would outline the rationale behind their approach. He promised that the tough decisions made now would pave the way for a brighter future, describing his vision for the country as one filled with "real sunny uplands." However, he cautioned that achieving this vision would require making difficult choices in the present.