Reform’s commanding lead in the polls is no guarantee of future success

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........

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