Keir Starmer’s Challenges and Strategy at the Labour Party Conference

As the Labour Party descends upon Liverpool for a potentially pivotal conference, leader Sir Keir Starmer finds himself grappling with the challenge of translating a commanding poll lead into actual political power.

“One of the most ambitious politicians I have ever met.” This was the verdict bestowed upon Keir Starmer by the veteran political journalist Michael Crick, even before Starmer was elected as a Member of Parliament. These words, quoted in Lord Ashcroft’s biography of the Labour leader, give us insight into the man who aspires to be the Prime Minister. Starmer, who entered the House of Commons in 2015 at the age of 52, is driven by an unwavering desire to win. Those close to him assert that he has an aversion to opposition and wants to focus on the practical aspects of achieving victory in the next election.

“I want to get on with the real job of winning the next election. I don’t find the self-promotion of this process a comfortable experience.” This quote, coming directly from Keir Starmer himself, reflects his dedication to the pursuit of political success.

However, as the Labour Party convenes in Liverpool, the central question becomes: what is the best political strategy for the party? Recent polls indicate that there is more enthusiasm for removing the Conservative Party from power than there is for Labour taking their place. This suggests a more uncertain political landscape than some surveys might imply, and the Labour leadership acknowledges that they still need to answer the question, “If not them, then why us?”

Nonetheless, the party arrives in high spirits, buoyed by their recent victory in the Rutherglen and West Hamilton by-election outside Glasgow. This victory provides a glimmer of hope that winning the next general election is an achievable goal.

A year ago, the Labour conference was marked by optimism and unity. The atmosphere was harmonious, and there was a sense of novelty in the air. However, the party now needs to project a more professional, government-in-waiting image to generate the attention and excitement necessary to rally support.

The conference theme is “Let’s Get Britain’s Future Back.” It will likely include messages of reassurance about Labour’s ability to manage the economy, with a commitment to economic growth featuring prominently in many speeches. The party will also aim to inspire hope by discussing issues such as housebuilding and cleaner, more affordable energy.

The looming general election, scheduled by law for January 2025 but with the exact date to be chosen by the Conservative government led by Rishi Sunak, presents a strategic challenge for Labour. Some argue that simplicity is key – being a small, elusive target could be a winning strategy. They fear that having too many policies could be a liability, as seen in the Australian Labor Party’s review of its 2019 election loss. They believe that a clear vision is more crucial than an abundance of policies.

However, not everyone agrees on this strategy. Some believe that politicians are the only ones pressured to have a clear vision and that the public may not necessarily require it. Instead, they advocate for an iterative approach, gradually building a set of ideas over time rather than presenting a single, grand plan.

Another challenge is responding to the policy blitz by the Conservative government, which includes controversial moves like abandoning the northern segment of the HS2 high-speed rail line and banning smoking for the next generation. Some within the Labour Party are incensed by these moves, seeing them as a ploy to sabotage a potential Labour government’s agenda. Yet, others argue that reacting with outrage could be counterproductive, as it would create a wider gap between the two parties and make Labour look fiscally irresponsible.

One key aspect to overcome these challenges is the development of policies, but it’s essential that this process is accelerated behind closed doors. Some suggest holding off on announcing new policies until early next year to minimize the chances of the Conservatives co-opting them.

In the world of opposition politics, advice is abundant, but making the transition to a functioning, well-regarded government is a challenging endeavor. Keir Starmer, like his counterpart Rishi Sunak, faces the arduous task of building an electable opposition.

In conclusion, the Labour Party’s journey toward securing a path to power continues, with Keir Starmer and his team navigating through various strategies, policy decisions, and political challenges to position themselves as a credible alternative for the next general election.