To Liverpool for Labour’s first party conference since Keir Starmer triumphed in the general election. On paper, this ought to be a jubilant affair for all involved. The party has returned to power after 14 years with a large majority, which ought to pave the way for a second term. Yet few in the party are in a celebratory mood. Instead there’s concern that less than 100 days in, Starmer is losing grip on his government.
The past week has been dominated by stories over Labour ‘sleaze’ over donations and ongoing hostile briefings pointing to turmoil amongst Starmer’s top team. ‘It’s all feeling a bit Tories 2019,’ jokes a Labour insider, pointing to how the Conservatives were dogged by stories of staff psychodrama and money rows.
The past week has been dominated by stories over Labour ‘sleaze’
Late on Friday, Downing Street announced that Starmer – along with his Chancellor Rachel Reeves and deputy Angela Rayner – will no longer take free clothes.
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