Labour party delegates are gathering in Liverpool this weekend for their first annual conference since taking power. What should have been a jubilant atmosphere has been soured by a series of internal rows, including over the decision to cut winter fuel allowance for most pensioners, and a vicious briefing war involving some of Keir Starmer’s closest aides.
Revelations about the free clothes and football tickets Starmer has accepted have helped to take the shine off the new prime minister. His task over the next few days in Merseyside will be to unite his party and project a sense of hope and optimism that, since winning the election, many believe his government has been lacking.
