The new Labour?

Starmerandissueofcompetence

SIR KEIR Starmer quite deliberately used his first party conference speech as Labour leader to compare his ‘ competence’ – and his regard for the ‘ rule of law’ as a former Director of Public Prosecutions – with Boris Johnson’s ‘ incompetence’ over the Covid- 19 crisis and willingness to disregard the law on Brexit.

Yet, as Doncaster became the first venue for such a setpiece speech since Harold Wilson addressed the party faithful in Scarborough in 1967, the theme of competence was Sir Keir’s chance to differentiate himself from his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn ( who he pointedly chose not to mention by name).

And while this was a polished performance, as Labour draw level with the Tories in the polls, the fact that Sir Keir had to highlight his loyalty to Britain confirms the scale of the electoral task still facing his party in the coming years.

He’s made a solid start and restored credibility to the Labour front bench. But his contradictions can’t be ignored – like his promise for constructive opposition when Kate Green, his party’s education spokeswoman, says Covid- 19 is “a good crisis” for the party to exploit. Or his stance on Brexit – “the debate between Leave and Remain is over” – when he was the prime advocate of a second referendum. Or appearing to ignore the risk of Scottish independence when Labour’s path back to power depends on winning back swathes of seats of Scotland. The list goes on.

Yes, Sir Keir has brought back gravitas to the role of Leader of Opposition but he has many more sceptics to convince before they will consider him, and his new Labour, as a Prime Minister and government in waiting.