Cardew Group reposted this
It is only 25 days since Labour claimed its historic election victory. With Parliament now in recess here's ten things we've already learned: Labour were ready: Forget the pre-election ‘no complacency’ message, Labour were ready to go with the Cabinet appointed, King’s Speech drafted, and Whitehall officials summoned to meetings over the first weekend. Labour wanted a team that could last: Labour brought Ministers from beyond the Party, ‘re-tread’ MPs and experienced newbies straight into Government. Starmer understood the power of a 174-seat majority and was prepared to demote frontbenchers to create space. Labour are in a hurry: With the election so close to the summer Labour have had to deliver immediately; cancelling the Rwanda scheme and onshore wind ban, reintroducing housing targets, a huge King’s Speech, and an audit of public spending – all before a shorter summer recess. Labour are planning 2028 already: Labour won big but knows that unless it delivers quickly on three key priorities: the NHS, making housing affordable and kick-starting economic growth, they risk the wrath of the nation’s now more volatile electorate. Labour want to go back to the country in 2028 having delivered on key aspects of its programme. Starmer looks like a PM: Helped by a series of pre-summer events: NATO Summit, European Political Council, Men’s Euros and the Olympics, Starmer has immediately removed doubts that he wasn’t up to the job. His approval ratings have jumped and he has avoided major gaffes. Labour will take no prisoners: Labour know there are tough and unpopular measures ahead. The decision to suspend the whip from the MPs who voted against the two-child benefit cap was very deliberate. Cushioned by a huge majority, Starmer was not prepared to tolerate a rebellion so early. It WAS worse than they thought: Labour were always going to portray their inheritance from the Conservatives as disastrous but the review into the public finances has found some unexpected nasties - a view seemingly backed up by the OBR. Labour had not planned to pick a fight with pensioners by means-testing the Winter Fuel Allowance – and its a decision that could still come back to bite them. 30 October is huge: The Budget and launch of the three-year spending review will be of huge significance for the shape of Labour’s first term. The fiscal rules will now be under huge political pressure. The Chancellor’s reputation could be made or broken by how she deals with that challenge. Remember, remember the 5th November: The US Presidential election casts a huge shadow over and the nightmare scenario is a Trump victory, then a US withdrawal from Ukraine and consequent jump in UK defence spending. Labour are privately praying for a Harris victory. … but don’t worry about 2nd November: In normal times the result of the Conservative leadership race would be of huge importance, but Labour don’t fear any of the candidates. Time will tell if that confidence is misplaced.
