Labour Party’s Diverging Paths: Divisions and Transformations

Two distinct visions of the Labour Party were prominently on display during recent events. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves, in her address to the Labour conference, received cheers as she emphatically proclaimed, “you can’t tax and spend your way to growth.” In doing so, she aimed to articulate differences with the Conservatives while also distinguishing the current leadership from the previous one, casting aside what she described as “extremists” within Labour. Notably, her speech garnered applause from Labour veteran Lord Mandelson, symbolizing the party’s evolution since the days when Jeremy Corbyn led Labour.

However, within the same conference hall, the leader of the Unite union, Sharon Graham, also received a standing ovation when she called for the party to adopt a bolder stance and advocate for the nationalization of energy companies. On a show of hands, this policy received majority support, despite being at odds with the party leadership, which had abandoned plans for “common ownership.”

While many contentious topics that could have caused discomfort for Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership were kept off the agenda, this choice reveals a shift within the party, especially following the departure of some grassroots members disillusioned with its direction. It’s essential to note that trade unions also have the power to influence the party’s agenda, which led to the debate on public ownership.

Nevertheless, the Labour leadership has made it clear that the re-nationalization of energy will not be included in the next election manifesto. As the election draws closer, the Left, which championed this policy, will find itself in the minority when the manifesto is crafted, and this proposal will likely fade into history.

However, there is less vocal opposition within the party than one might expect. Some on the Left, like Mick Lynch, leader of the RMT union, emphasize the need to prioritize defeating the Tories and securing Labour’s electoral success, even if it means not openly criticizing Keir Starmer. This stance reflects a broader sentiment that Labour is currently leading in the polls and is on the brink of regaining power.

The scent of power, indeed, has a unifying effect, and some MPs on the left are taking a tactical approach in not rocking the boat that may one day become a ship of state. While challenges persist with the current leadership, MPs like Bell Ribiero-Addy and Richard Burgon highlight the importance of unity within the party to unseat the Conservatives and regain the keys to 10 Downing Street.

Despite the victory on public ownership, the Left acknowledges that they have lost control of the party. Party rules have been amended to make it clear that anyone campaigning for a non-Labour candidate will face expulsion. This change sets the stage for potential conflicts within the party and further weakens the Left’s position.

Some argue that the current leadership’s victory has been more organizational than political. The group known as Labour to Win, which supported Keir Starmer’s leadership shift away from the Corbyn era, has played a significant role in helping him gain control over various levers of power, including the ruling National Executive Committee. However, the Left insists that there is still a hunger among some in the party for more radical policies.

Nonetheless, the prospect of the Left regaining power within the party seems distant. Some on the Left are focusing on local politics and training members to become council candidates. In parallel, trade unions like Unite are pursuing campaigns in key constituencies to spark a political chain reaction that eventually leads to a Labour government championing their priorities.

The Labour Party’s journey from the Left to the Right is ongoing and hasn’t yet found a final destination. The party leadership’s rapid shifts have surprised some on the Left and pleased those who remember the New Labour era. There’s an expectation that the party will continue to evolve, and potential leaders like Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham are seen as alternatives if Keir Starmer were to step aside.

The Labour Party’s conference and its ongoing transformations reflect the complexities and divisions that characterize the current political landscape.