This weekend Labour ministers, MPs and delegates will arrive in Liverpool for their first conference in office since 2009. Following July’s thumping election victory, the official slogan for this week’s gathering is ‘Change Begins’. But after recent rows on winter fuel and No. 10 squabbles, is everyone in the party agreed on what that change looks like? Below is The Spectator’s guide to some of the highlights at Labour conference over the next four days:
Saturday
19:00 – 22:00 London Labour reception at ACC, Hall 2H
Of the 75 constituencies in Greater London, 59 of them are now represented by a Labour MP. Among their number include ministers like Stephen Timms, Wes Streeting, James Murray and of course Keir Starmer himself. Might we see London Mayor Sadiq Khan popping in too?
19:00 – 22:00 North West Drinks reception at ACC, Hall 2C
Another area where Labour has overwhelming electoral dominance is the North West where they hold 63 of the 73 constituencies, featuring some of the party’s great characters. It was at this event three years ago that Angela Rayner – deputy leader and MP from a Manchester constituency – made her infamous ‘scum’ comments.
21:00 – 22:00 LGBT+ Labour disco at GBar Liverpool
Few events hold more affection in the hearts of hard-clubbing Labour activists than the annual LGBT knees-up, held this year in the colourful surroundings of GBar.
Sunday
11:25 – 11:35 Deputy Leader of the Labour Party’s speech in Conference Hall
This year’s schedule is notable for how few members of the Cabinet will be making a speech in the main hall. But one of them is Angela Rayner, in her capacity as Deputy Leader. Her brief in government though is workers’ rights and levelling up, with businesses likely to pour over her remarks when the spotlight on her.
16:00 – 16:30 ‘The future of the Steel Industry in the UK’ at ACC, Arena Room 7
The UK Steel industry is facing an uncertain future, amid job losses at Port Talbot and competition from overseas. So this could be one of the more punchy panels as Gareth Stace, the head of UK Steel, appears alongside minister Sarah Jones and her fellow MPs Chris McDonald and Stephen Kinnock.
17:00 – 18:30 ‘Change that Lasts’ at ACC, Hall 2D
The relationship between Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham has had its ups and downs over the years. So it is interesting to see the Manchester Mayor appearing at an event hosted by ‘Labour for Electoral Reform’ – despite the current system returning a Labour majority of 174 in July.
18:00 – 19:30 ‘Resetting the UK’s relations with Europe’ at ACC, Arena Room 3
Brexit is one of the thorniest issues for Keir Starmer’s government, given their memories of the 2019 election. So it is striking to see then that Nick Thomas-Symonds – the minister responsible for EU relations – will be appearing at this ‘Labour Movement for Europe’ event alongside fellow Remainers Emily Thornberry and Stella Creasy.
22:00 Dawn Butler’s Jamaica Party at Camp and Furnace
Another firm favourite of conference regulars, this annual shindig is one of the more challenging parties to get into. Run by Brent MP Dawn Butler, it usually features rum punch and guest appearances, with Sadiq Khan sometimes doing a star turn as DJ.
Monday
09:00 – 10:15 ‘Diplomacy, Development and Defence’ at ACC, Arena Room 9
David Lammy has had a busy time in recent months, amid the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza. The Foreign Secretary will give Labour members a chance to hear all about it when he appears alongside the FCDO’s former top mandarin Simon Fraser at this event on Monday morning.
11:00 – 12:00 ‘How will the Labour government deliver a New Deal for Working People?’ at Casa Bar, Revolucion de Cuba
This is an appropriate venue for some of the more militant trade union leaders to give their thoughts on the Labour government. The RMT’s Mick Lynch will join Matt Wrack of the Fire Brigade Union and others to grill Transport Minister Lord Hendy and potentially Justin Madders of the Business Department too.
12:00 – 12:35 Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Speech in Conference Hall
Ahead of next month’s Budget, Rachel Reeves knows that this event is crucial in framing the decisions she will make on tax and spend. The Chancellor faces a difficult tightrope: enthusing activists and boosting business confidence while being candid about the nation’s finances and the difficult decisions ahead.
12:15 – 13:30 ‘Can Labour Transform UK Higher Education?’ at Albert 4 in Hilton
The university sector breathed a sigh of relief in July when the Conservatives were expelled from office. But with some institutes now in a funding crisis, will help be on hand at a time when the purse strings are so tight? Newly ennobled Jacqui Smith will debate this one alongside James Purnell and Margaret Hodge.
16:30 – 17:30 ‘How to fix a broken NHS’ at ACC, Arena Room 11
Isabel Hardman will host this Spectator panel featuring Stephen Kinnock, the Minister for Care, and other experts too. Is Labour ready to do what needs to be done to achieve fundamental reform across the health service?
17:30 – 18:30 ‘Labour to Win Rally’ at ACC, Room 2C
This event will feature some of Labour’s biggest names including the likes of Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary. Expect a triumphant atmosphere at this jamboree of pro-Starmer moderates.
Tuesday
11:00 – 12:00 ‘How Labour Won the Election’ at ACC, Arena Room 2
Few ministers did more media rounds than Pat McFadden did during the election. Here at this event, the Cabinet Office veteran tells journalist Pippa Crerar just how exactly his party made 209 gains in July. Appropriately, it is being hosted by Labour Together – the think tank which backed Starmer’s leadership bid and boasts close ties to his aide Morgan McSweeney.
11:00 – 11:40 ‘Women with Balls Live’ at ACC, Arena Room 1
Katy Balls – The Spectator’s political editor – will interview Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson at this live podcast recording focusing on the big issues of Labour conference.
11:50 – 12:30 ‘Is the net zero target achieveable?’ at ACC, Arena Room 1
Decarbonising power by 2030 is the biggest target of Keir Starmer’s premiership. Can this be achieved? Join Fraser Nelson, the editor of The Spectator, and GMB’s Gary Smith as they discuss what is realistic and what it will mean for Britain.
14:00 – 16:00 The Prime Minister’s Speech in Conference Hall
For the first time in 15 years a sitting Labour Prime Minister will address his party’s conference. Keir Starmer’s speech will be a mix of victory lap and prospectus for government, looking back at the election campaign just gone and explaining what the next 12 months now have in store.
17:15 – 18:30 ‘Securonomics: The Path to Green Growth?’ at ACC, Arena Room 9
The Chancellor is only making a few appearances at this conference and this one looks to be the most eye-catching. Rachel Reeves will appear alongside Heather Boushey – a member of President Biden’s Council of Economic Advisers – as the pair discuss ‘Securonomics’ on both sides of the Atlantic at the IPPR.
18:00 – 19:00 ‘Is Technology the Key to deliver Mission-led Government? at ACC, 1B
Fixing the public services is a pre-requisite if Labour is to secure re-election in five years’ time. To do that, ministers will need to harness the power of technology. Few areas need that more than in the NHS and the Department of Science, amid increased competition from foreign rivals. Wes Streeting and Peter Kyle join Sky’s Liz Bates in conversation at the Tony Blair Institute to discuss.
19:00 – 21:00 ‘Labour First’ Rally at Grace Suite in Hilton
A smorgasbord of Labour MPs are expected to attend this closing-night rally including Luke Akehurst, Pat McFadden, Angela Eagle, Alison McGovern and Calvin Bailey.
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