UPDATE: UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has declared that his party is facing the “fight of our lives” against the rising influence of the hard-right Reform UK party during the opening of their annual conference in Liverpool on September 24, 2023. The urgent call to action comes as Labour trails Reform by a staggering 12 points in national polls, raising questions about Starmer’s leadership and party unity.
In a charged atmosphere, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a motivational speech at the conference, emphasizing the necessity of navigating uncertainty and making tough decisions. “Being a party of government means grappling with uncertainty,” Albanese stated to invigorate Labour members. However, doubts loom as Starmer has faced criticism for recent missteps and scandal-related departures from his government.
The four-day event, concluding on September 27, is pivotal for Starmer as he confronts discontent within the party, especially following the resignation of deputy prime minister Angela Rayner over tax issues and the controversial dismissal of ambassador Peter Mandelson. Political scientist Steven Fielding remarked, “His leadership is in crisis, really… the conference isn’t really going to resolve that.”
Starmer’s approval ratings have hit a historic low according to Ipsos, marking the worst satisfaction levels for any prime minister since 1977. He acknowledged the daunting challenge ahead, stating, “We’ve got to take on Reform, we’ve got to beat them. The effects will be there for generations.” He also condemned Reform’s immigration proposals as “racist,” warning they could “tear our country apart.”
The backdrop of the conference is further complicated by significant domestic issues, including rising economic strains and record levels of undocumented migrant crossings to England. As Labour grapples with these crises, Starmer’s attempts to revitalize his administration have been overshadowed by controversies, leaving many party members anxious about the future.
On the conference agenda, Starmer is expected to deliver a keynote speech on Tuesday, which could be a defining moment in reshaping his political narrative. Regional mayor Andy Burnham has publicly urged Starmer to adopt a more leftist vision, claiming that some lawmakers are calling for leadership changes. Meanwhile, finance minister Rachel Reeves is set to outline economic revitalization plans on Monday.
Outside the conference venue, tensions were palpable as protesters demonstrated against the government’s classification of the campaign body Palestine Action as a terror group. This protest added another layer of complexity to the already challenging environment for Starmer.
The stakes are high as Labour navigates internal dissent and external challenges. With the conference serving as a critical platform for Starmer to solidify his leadership, all eyes will be on his upcoming address to determine the party’s direction in these turbulent times.
As Labour’s annual conference unfolds, the immediate future of the party hangs in the balance. Observers are eager to see how Starmer responds to the pressures mounting from both within and outside his party.
