What should Labour supporters make of a conference dominated by Reform?
Keir Starmer wants to frame the choice facing Britain as one between decency and division, but will a restless electorate anxious to see results let him? Asks Douglas Beattie
There are three types of party conference – the dreary, the victorious and the tense. The first of these often emerges after a long period in government, while the second is borne out of electoral triumph – and therefore has been seen on too few occasions by Labour down the years.
This week’s gathering in Liverpool was of the third variety – it was an edgy affair with much on the line, despite the party coming to power with a landslide little more than a year ago.
Labour, its delegates, affiliates and government ministers all rocked up to the great city on the Mersey trailing in the polls to Reform UK, in the midst of a deputy leadership election and with Andy Burnham giving the impression he is happy to be seen as a king over the water.
There were several things........





















Toi Staff
Gideon Levy
Sabine Sterk
Stefano Lusa
John Nosta
Tarik Cyril Amar
Ellen Ginsberg Simon
Gilles Touboul
Mark Travers Ph.d
Daniel Orenstein