The New Statesman: politics and culture Starmer has a lot to prove at Labour conference
Sep 28, 2025
Ethan Croft, a political correspondent for the New Statesman, and George Eaton, the senior editor, dive into the pressing trials ahead for Keir Starmer at the Labour conference. They discuss Starmer's unprecedented unpopularity and the internal fears surrounding his leadership. With Andy Burnham's potential challenge looming, Ethan analyzes his media presence and political threats. The duo also explores Labour's strategy against Reform UK, the controversial two-child benefit cap, and how to navigate conference tensions over sensitive topics.
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Starmer Under Heavy Internal Pressure
- Keir Starmer faces very poor approval ratings, prompting internal questions about his leadership.
- That pressure helps explain a more combative tone from Labour towards Reform and Andy Burnham this conference.
Labour Shifting To Values-Led Offensive
- Labour has moved to explicitly attack Reform, framing policies as immoral and racist to shift the debate.
- That strategy aims to create a values-led contrast with Reform rather than a granular policy fight.
Starmer Seen Mingling Happily Pre-Conference
- George Eaton describes Keir Starmer socialising and greeting MPs at the Pullman Hotel before conference.
- That behaviour suggested a more upbeat mood inside Number 10 than critics expected.