Top: Rachel Reeves MP
With all eyes on Starmer’s keynote (Keir-note?) speech, it would have been easy for the rest of the shadow cabinet to slip under the radar. Casting our minds back to just a few years ago, the number one criticism levied against Labour was its alleged historic track record of trashing the economy – something which CEOs of FTSE companies are usually keen to avoid.
So, for the Shadow Chancellor, addressing a room full of them would have been a daunting task. However, Reeves’ speech was an absolute barnstorm – commentators across the political spectrum applauded her for managing to make something so potentially boring actually quite rousing. After years of the British public feeling deceived by the political elite, Reeves’ line of “Labour is ready to serve” is refreshing. But as their economic policies develop, let’s see if CEOs remain as confident in Labour…
Middle: Angela Rayner MP
The Labour Party was founded to represent the interests of the working class and yet it has also always attracted the liberal middle-class that believes more is achieved through the collective good. There has always been a balance, and even a tension, between these two wings and every Labour leader – including Starmer - has had to manage them.
In comes Rayner. It’s hard to not find her charming, and Labour conference offered a raft of opportunities to get her into the headlines. Media was absolutely cooing at her mum calling her and disrupting Rayner’s media round earlier this week, and they were laughing along with her when she was quoted as saying she was going to do a “John Prescott” on the protestor that glitter-bombed Starmer’s speech.
Labour know she’s an essential part of their otherwise clinical brand, and is a signal of Labour’s growing confidence that they’re not shying away from providing her with a platform. At Conference’s past, she’s been a source of stress for the Labour party (her gaffe calling Tories “scum” had shadow cabinet reeling for days). It’ll be interesting to see where she goes next…
Not: Lisa Cameron MP
Back in the real world (well, Westminster), it looks like some MPs are swimming against the political tide and embracing the Tories. Lisa Cameron MP defected to the Conservatives from SNP this week after accusing the SNP of “toxic and bullying” behaviour. She first started threatening to quit after she spoke up for a party worker who was sexually harassed by the then chief whip.
It’s not a good time to be first minister of Scotland right now, as Hamza is also likely still quaking from the comprehensive by-election defeat in Rutherglen. Scottish voters are equally tired of hearing about Scottish independence when they’re struggling to pay their heating bills. This latest defection is likely the start of a very difficult time for SNPs as they need to work out what their identity is in the face of an increasingly popular Labour party as we head into the next general election. Much like the Tories, it's difficult to be the disruptive party of change when you’ve been in government for years.
If nothing else, you’ve got to be impressed by Cameron’s dedication to not going to either party conference - having timed her defection perfectly to avoid both. It just means more luke-warm canapes for WTWN!