THEY loved it in the hall — of course they did, it was Labour’s first conference address from a Prime Minister in 15 years.
But for all the standing ovations, Starmer needed to speak to the country.
3
3
Acknowledging a rocky few weeks of sleaze allegations, infighting and backlash from short-changed pensioners.
Despite vowing he would not be swayed by critics or howls from the Left, the PM did give some ground.
Doom and gloom warnings of economic collapse were more muted — with a little more aspiration and hope the pain will all be worth it.
It was bold to steal the language of Vote Leave with his “take back control” promise, but tough talk on borders, benefits and bills is a sign he is listening.
The speech was heavy on big promises, but he was still vague on the biggest question of all: how on earth is he going to pay for all of it with stagnant growth and a promise of no austerity?
Simply saying he will govern in a “Labour way” is not going to magic up the cash.
And the hall was far happier cheering a Gaza ceasefire and nationalising trains than it was with the PM’s plea to stop being ashamed of using the private sector to fix the country and the need to celebrate wealth creation.
Starmer may realise what the country needs — but his party has some way to go.
3