Labour Party Conference: A government warming up

After 14 years in opposition, Labour’s return to power was always going to make waves, but the atmosphere at their first conference back wasn’t exactly the victory lap many anticipated.

Wandering through Albert Docks, the scale was striking: more attendees, more business presence, tighter security. Yet, the mood mirrored the gloomy weather. What many expected to be a celebration of Labour’s election victory felt more subdued. 

Rain poured down as the conference kicked off, overshadowed by donation scandals and vocal pushback on recent policy decisions. 
As the conference progressed, though, the clouds — both literal and figurative — began to lift. Conversations turned toward policy and government direction. But from the journalists’ corner, discontent lingered. Many bemoaned the lack of bold, new ideas. Yet Labour’s focus wasn’t on making fresh announcements; it was on delivering what’s already been promised. 

Challenges and expectations

Progress takes time. Labour’s ambitious manifesto lays out a decade-long vision, one that won’t come to fruition overnight. That’s why the Prime Minister is framing this moment as the beginning of a “decade of national renewal.” After all, the government is less than 90 days old, and many ministers are still adjusting to the novelty of life in power. Behind the scenes, there was a clear sense that the team is still finding its rhythm.

Change is hard and politics is unforgiving. The public wants results now. Labour has moved swiftly in some areas, pushing through legislation and making key appointments, but larger systemic challenges — like low productivity and their five central missions — require a more strategic approach. Here, many were hoping for more detail not necessarily on policy, but on how Labour plans to deliver tangible change.

Much has been made of the difficult hand they’ve been dealt and how it is worse than first thought. That is fair - the view from inside government is far clearer than it ever was in opposition. However, the picture was never rosy. Ministers discussed the potential of AI and digitisation and the need to build more homes while on stage, but below the surface there appears a naivety over the public sector’s capacity to implement these changes following years of austerity.  

Uncertainty and the upcoming Budget

There was a palpable frustration from business, wanting to know more. Perhaps the lack of detail is partly down to timing, with Conference taking place in political limbo post-election and pre-budget. When planned, this conference was expected to be the starting pistol on an Autumn election. As it happened, it occurred just a month before the new government delivers its first Budget.  

This conference was always going to be about reflection - on a historic win and the challenges ahead. Now, all eyes are on the Chancellor’s Budget which presents the opportunity to add depth, detail and certainty. As the rain-soaked streets of Liverpool cleared, thoughts turned to late October, when Rachel Reeves will lay out her plan to steer the country toward sunnier horizons.