Moments into the beginning of his speech, Starmer was decorated in glitter from a protester advocating for the government to tackle a broken country. The Labour leader remained confident, using the opportunity to deliver the line “Protest or power, that is why we changed our party.” Starmer is starting to shine - and not just because of the glitter.
There was a distinct theme of bashing the Conservative’s and their policies, telling his supporters that Labour would work hard to undo the damage done by years of Conservative rule. He said “what is broken can be repaired [...] people are looking to us because they want to build a new Britain, and we are the builders”. Starmer also tried to woo Tory voters, attempting to persuade those who voted Conservative in the 2019 election to switch to Labour in 2024.
people are looking to us because they want to build a new Britain
KEIR STARMER
The Labour leader touched on his own background. Having been raised by a single mother who was smothered by financial pressures and unable to think about the future, Starmer appealed to those struggling in the cost of living crisis. This conference was much less about policy plans and more geared towards inspiring emotion, suggesting that after years of Tory divisions and carelessness, the people in this country need change and something to look forward to.
Whilst the speech was filled with snappy one-liners, it often missed out crucial details and reliable prospects. Nonetheless, Starmer’s conference earned praise from his supporters, Tory observers and even from begrudging critics.
So, after a somewhat successful conference, the question remains - will Starmer sparkle under the spotlight, or crash and burn?