Labour Party Conference 2024: The End of the Honeymoon?

The curtain has fallen on this year’s Labour Party Conference, with delegates heading home as they pick apart what the future might look like under this government. Far from being the celebratory moment that many had hoped for as they travelled to Liverpool, the challenges of the past few weeks dominated the agenda.

Cabinet Ministers projected a sense of determination to confront issues facing the UK economy head on, even if that means pain in the short-term. Starmer’s speech focused on the importance of national renewal after fourteen years of rot under the Conservatives. He doubled down on the message that tough fiscal decisions will be necessary at the upcoming AutumnBudget (and beyond) to kick-start the UK economy and drive growth, while at the same time presenting a positive vision for the future in an attempt to demonstrate confidence. Similarly, the Chancellor’s speech struck a balance between optimism and the need to work within the parameters of fiscal constraint. Throughout the keynote speeches, the intention to embed strong partnerships at the heart of government operations – both across Departments and with external organisations – was clear.

In a continuation of activity progressed by the government in recent weeks, housing and planning took centre stage at the Conference. There were pledges including the introduction of ‘brownfield passports’ to expedite the approval of urban sites and provision of social housing to all veterans, young people leaving care and victims of domestic abuse. On the fringes, there was a huge amount of activity on energy, net zero and housing in particular and for many of them, it was standing room only. The sheer volume of events, conversation and organisations on the ground showcased the powerful desire among all delegates to strengthen the UK’s policy environment, which should be capitalised on in the months ahead.

But in reality, there wasn’t much for Labour’s voter base to sink their teeth into. Ministers were tight lipped and restrained with what they dared reveal, conscious that the Autumn Budget will be the real opportunity to set the scene for what this government does for the rest of this Parliament. All eyes now turn to what will come forward on 30th October.

Behind the scenes, concerns over the government’s early wobbles are starting to spread, with Cabinet Ministers frustrated that the Prime Minister failed to act quickly enough to quash the row over accepting clothes donations. But perhaps the deeper fear is the impact that Sue Gray is already having on the government’s ability to act as a united force. Gray’s name cropped up frequently in conversation in Liverpool and there is a sense that failure to act soon could only lead to further damage in the long-term. Comparisons with Tory sleaze and scandal are already playing out, made worse by Starmer’s attempts prior to the election to present his Party as different.

To add to Labour’s headache, business delegates complained in droves that Monday’s Business Day failed to present any real value for money. The mood on the ground was one of frustration with a Party that worked hard to woo business inOpposition, only to offer them little time or attention in government.

Now, Labour MPs will prepare for a return to Westminster with an acute sense that the next few months are critical not just for reclaiming the narrative, but for the long-term stability of Starmer’s administration. Management of parliamentary time will be key in ensuring the right issues are prioritised, but more importantly, it will be about reassuring voters that they are in safe hands and while tough decisions lie ahead, immediate dividends will be felt.