The New Statesman | UK politics and culture One year of Labour rule: Can things still only get better?
Jul 3, 2025
A year into Labour's rule, the conversation highlights key triumphs and trials that shaped their governance. The panel discusses the impact of public perception on the party's future and the challenges posed by rising political figures like Nigel Farage. Critiques of Keir Starmer's leadership and the balancing act between past grievances and future aspirations are examined. The dynamics of foreign policy communication, especially regarding the Gaza situation, raise concerns about moral clarity. Overall, they assess how Labour can navigate a changing UK political landscape.
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Labour’s Working-Class Shift
- Labour's 2024 election victory symbolized a shift back to working-class focus and less elite representation.
- The new cabinet was the least privately educated in modern times, signaling significant political change.
Labour's Comms and State Hurdles
- Labour underestimated the importance of communication and political tact despite having a long-term strategy.
- The state’s machinery did not immediately respond effectively to Labour's governance, revealing fundamental challenges.
State Reform Is Structural Challenge
- Labour ministers expected an enthusiastic civil service ready to reform, but faced a deeper structural inertia.
- The state's challenges are not about personnel faults but systemic issues within Whitehall.