In the United Kingdom, the Labour Party is starting its annual congress this Sunday, September 22. Over two days, the gathering is intended to clarify Labour’s ideological line. It is also intended to reunite the majority around Prime Minister Starmer, weakened in recent weeks by unpopular reforms even within his ranks and a scandal surrounding gifts he allegedly received.
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With our correspondent in the United Kingdom, Sara Menai
When Minister Ellie Reeves opens the Labour Party’s annual conference on Sunday, she will be the first member of a Labour government to do so in 15 years. In Liverpool, north-west of United Kingdom) However, Keir Starmer is on a mission to clarify his ideological line and reassure the Labour electorate. To do this, he should notably take up the refrain of recent weeks: the legacy left by fourteen years of Tory governance to justify the measures to come, measures that are difficult but necessary to straighten out the country.
Between now and Monday, the major issues expected to be discussed at the party conference include teacher recruitment, rent reform and wind turbine construction. But despite a triumphant election just two and a half months ago, it has been a turbulent summer for the majority. Anti-migrant riots, early prisoner releases, controversial reform of British pensioners’ heating allowance…
To make matters worse, for the past week, the tabloids have been relishing the latest scandal: the 120,000 euros in gifts allegedly accepted by Keir Starmer and his wife for five years. A scandal that is damaging the reputation of a Prime Minister who campaigned on the theme of exemplarity.
This government has a goal
So now there is a sense that the party’s annual conference should be the moment when ministers can take back control of the agenda. In front of nearly 20,000 of his supporters, Keir Starmer is expected to use the opportunity to talk about a government with a purpose.
After announcing difficult times ahead before things improve, it will also be necessary to reassure. Those close to the Prime Minister say that he will take advantage of these two days of conference to surf on the feeling of hope that carried him to Downing Street on July 5. This weekend in Liverpool, there should be some announcements but – ultimately – no big revelations.
Also readUK: Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised for receiving over £100,000 in gifts