Rain clouds gathered as Labour's conference opened in Liverpool. Soaked delegates should have been in a celebratory mood at the party's first conference in 15 years in power. But the mood was subdued after ministers had been repeating the message for weeks that the Conservatives had put the country in dire economic shape. Voter anger over the decision to cut everyone's winter fuel allowance, and disputes over clothing donations and free football and concert tickets, did little to dispel the gloom.
Arrive at the Royal Albert Convention Centre Helen Pidd “I went there looking for hope,” she said, speaking to delegates and explaining that they were trying to balance a message that tough decisions lie ahead with celebrating the changes Labour has already made. Andy Burnhamoffered a brighter outlook, claiming that not only was there reason to be happy about the changes Labour was initiating at home, but that the mood at the conference was “really upbeat, really positive”.
After the Minister of Finance, Speaking at the conference, The Guardian's deputy political editor, Rachel Reeves, said: Jessica Elgot I told Helen how seriously she tried to change the tone. Mr Reeves was at pains to explain how “tough decisions” like cutting the winter fuel allowance would help, without changing course.
As the rain finally cleared on Tuesday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer took to the stage to deliver a speech that offered the country an optimistic outlook and a brighter future. But how persuasive was it?
Photo: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
