Political conference without the party

Ostensibly party conferences are opportunities to set out stalls, a place to lay the foundations for electoral success. The reality, however, is perhaps somewhat different. Any political hacks who have spent time on the circuit know full well conferences are really about internal esprit de corps.

They provide an opportunity for teams to build, for the construction of greater unity and a shared sense of purpose.

This can happen as much in the bars and restaurants around conference centre as within the main hall itself.

In Labour’s case, one rather imagines the atmosphere in Perth this weekend will be somewhat more subdued.

For a start the conference kicked off the morning after the night before.

Labour lost the seat of Copeland on Thursday – significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, the party had held it since 1935 and, secondly, it is the first time a party in opposition has lost a by-election to a governing party for 35 years.

It was yet another catastrophic result and Labour is beginning to look hopelessly incapable of providing a meaningful challenge to the Westminster Government.

With a “hard Brexit” on the horizon and the constitutional question looming large Labour needs to reconnect with not only the public, but its own members. And fast.