When Labour was in opposition, the answer to the “what does it stand for” question was obvious: to win power. Now that Keir Starmer occupies Number 10, it is far less clear what he actually intends to do with that power.
Labour’s first 100 days, which will be marked on Saturday, have not exactly been a resounding success. There has been no granting of independence to the Bank of England or even a fiscal event. Instead, energy has been taken up defending and then in some cases repaying donations of clothes from wealthy donors.
Undoubtedly, sections of the media were out to kick the fledgling administration, after years of reporting on allegations of Tory sleaze. But Labour has all too often failed to change the subject by doing anything or implementing new policy. Indeed, it has neglected to leverage the biggest difference between opposition and government. That while the former can only announce things, the latter can do things.
Labour will point to the Budget on October 30 as a reason for its relative lack of haste. It is sensible that spending decisions take place at fiscal events, following analysis by the Office for Budget Responsibility. Yet by waiting so long, the Government has enabled a sense of drift to take place. Not aided by the sudden resignation of the previously heralded chief of staff, Sue Gray.
Voters, who elected a Labour Government on something of a hazy platform, are still left wondering: what is the priority? Is it to invest more in public services, something that will require significant tax increases? Is it to boost economic growth, perhaps by loosening borrowing rules in order to fund capital investment? Is it an industrial policy to make Britain a green energy superpower? Labour has made great political play of its missions, but how they can be translated into a programme for government remains uncertain.
Almost five years out from the next general election, commentators ought to ignore the opinion polls. But Sir Keir must hope that his Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will produce a Budget that answers these questions and more. Otherwise, he will discover that running a government is far tougher than managing a political party – even the Labour Party.
