When I travelled to Liverpool last Saturday, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Labour's landslide victory in the 2024 election was undoubtedly historic, causing expectations to be high but leaving the then new Prime Minister struggling to meet the public's thirst for change. In a different, more stable and more predictable time, Keir Starmer would have made a good Prime Minister. Being British Prime Minister in 2026 must feel like riding a bull.
The 2023 conference felt ecstatic, while the 2024 conference felt very optimistic. I skipped the 2025 event, but I heard from many people that the mood was rather timid and depressed. At the same time, the 2025 conference was where Andy Burnham rallied from the sidelines. He talked about a different direction for the country at fringe events, positioning himself as a potential new leader. That feels like a lifetime ago now.
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