Daily Politics from the New Statesman Blue Labour is splitting the party
Jan 9, 2026
Ethan Croft, a political journalist focused on Labour dynamics, and Megan Kenyon, a contributor to the New Statesman, dive into the rifts emerging within the Labour Party. They discuss Preet Kaur Gill's declaration of being "Blue Labour," highlighting her unique position as the first woman to embrace this faction. The duo explores ideological divides on key issues like trans rights and immigration, while mapping out the party's factions, including Blue Labour, old right, and Blairites. With upcoming local elections, the worries of unifying the party intensify.
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Blue Labour Is Growing Within Labour
- Blue Labour frames itself as community-focused with moral seriousness, not merely social conservatism.
- Ethan Croft notes more MPs now identify with Blue Labour than ever before, expanding its influence.
Labour Right Is Not Monolithic
- The Labour right is fragmented into Blue Labour, the old right, and Blairites with distinct traditions.
- This factional variety complicates any simple left-vs-right split in the PLP.
Blue Labour’s Economic-Social Mix
- Blue Labour blends left-wing economics with social conservatism and a 'politics of place'.
- Its proposals include industrial reorientation and schemes like 'pride in place' to help left-behind areas.