From Slogans to Struggles: The Reality of Year One Under Labour

✨ Key Achievements

1. Economic & Public Service Investment

  • Chancellor Rachel Reeves launched “securonomics”: a major capital investment programme (~£113 bn) focused on infrastructure, clean energy, AI, and public services, the biggest tax rise since 1993 to pay for it (labourfuture.co.uk).
  • The NHS received a £29 bn boost, resulting in a ~5 % reduction in waiting lists (Financial Times).
  • Minimum wage rose to £12.21/hr, a 6.7 % increase (Asian Voice).

2. Housing & Planning Reform

  • Ambitious but under-delivering 5-year target to build 1.5 million homes; however, planning approvals dropped to a 13‑year low (Financial Times).
  • The National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Bill introduced greenbelt “grey belt” development and reinstated mandatory housing targets (Planning, Building & Construction Today).

3. Immigration & Border Policies

  • Introduced a bilateral “one in, one out” scheme with France to manage small boats and launch legal asylum pathways (Financial Times).
  • Deportations increased, ECHR reforms advanced to speed up removals, while Channel crossings continued to rise (~45 %) (The Guardian).

4. Welfare and Workers’ Rights

  • Employment Rights Bill introduced: expanded protections against unfair dismissal, strengthened rights from day one, and addressed zero-hours contracts (The Guardian).
  • Welfare reforms included cuts to the health component of Universal Credit and stricter PIP eligibility for new claimants; this triggered a backbench rebellion (47–50 MPs) (The Guardian).

5. Global & Strategic Moves

  • Strengthened UK–US trade relations, backed Ukraine, and secured a France immigration accord alongside broader defence agreements .
  • Launched Great British Energy Act and National Wealth Fund to drive clean energy and heavy‑industry decarbonisation (Asian Voice).

🚩 Major Criticisms & Challenges

Economic Performance & Fiscal Tension

  • Growth has been sluggish: early 2025 saw near-zero GDP growth, with OBR halving its forecast to ~1 % (The Times).
  • A fiscal “black hole” (~£22 bn) inherited from Conservatives forced tax/NI hikes and spending cuts (ii.co.uk).
  • Employer NI rises and VAT on private schools sparked backlash; “fiscal drag” froze thresholds, inadvertently raising taxes (The Times).

Messaging & Leadership

  • Labour’s brand of cautious, managerial politics has led critics to say it lacks vision and boldness (labourfuture.co.uk).
  • A string of PR missteps over fuel payments, gifts scandal, and civil service appointments have dented internal unity .

Voter Sentiment

  • Traditional Labour supporters feel alienated: many cite betrayal on welfare/housing, claiming the party seems more Conservative-lite (The Guardian).
  • Approval ratings are low: 47–72 % view the government as ineffective or chaotic, 72 % say it’s as chaotic as its predecessor (The Times).
  • Pessimism abounds: YouGov found 59 % disapproved of Labour at 100 days, 39 % think the country is worse off (YouGov).

🔍 Balanced Perspective

  • What’s working: Rebuilding public institutions (NHS, housing and worker protections), investing in green energy and infrastructure, diplomatic gains.
  • What needs fixing: A clear “narrative” tying reforms together, stronger leadership messaging, addressing economic stagnation head-on, and retaining core supporters.

Think tanks like the Institute for Government argue that the government must combine coherent vision with bold policy and polish communication (Institute for Government).


📝 Summary

AreaPositivesConcerns
EconomyInvestment-led approach, stable marketsGrowth weak, inflation and tax drag biting
Public ServicesNHS funding, waiting list reductionsWorkforce shortages remain
HousingPlanning reformsDeliverability faltering, approvals at 13-year low
Welfare/BenefitsEmployment rights protectionsBenefit cuts sparked internal rebellion
ImmigrationPragmatic policies, France dealCrossings still rising, rights concerns
PoliticsDiplomatic gains, defence strategyVoter disillusionment, messaging lacks clarity

✅ Verdict:

Labour’s first year featured solid policy groundwork and public-service investment, but was overshadowed by economic headwinds, messaging missteps, rebel backlash, and voter unease. The critical next phase: deliver tangible growth and reconnect with core supporters while refining public narrative and internal cohesion.

The First 100 days of the new UK labour government

In his first 100 days as Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has faced a mix of challenges and achievements. Here are some key highlights:

  1. Economic Challenges: Early in his tenure, Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed a £20 billion “black hole” in public finances, which has significantly influenced the government’s policy decisions. This led to controversial measures like means-testing Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners.
  2. Policy Initiatives: Starmer’s government has focused on delivering change and restoring public service. However, some of their decisions, such as not scrapping the two-child benefit cap, have faced criticism.
  3. Political Landscape: Starmer has had to navigate internal party dynamics and external political pressures. His leadership style and decisions have been under scrutiny, with some commentators questioning his political acumen.
  4. Public Perception: The Labour Party’s approach and Starmer’s leadership have been met with mixed reactions. While some appreciate the shift from the previous administration, others are concerned about the effectiveness of his policies and leadership

Overall, Starmer’s first 100 days have been a period of adjustment and laying the groundwork for his government’s future actions. How do you feel about his performance so far?

Party Manifestos – Election 2024

As the United Kingdom gears up for another pivotal general election, the political landscape is abuzz with the release of party manifestos. These documents are not just political promises; they are blueprints that outline the future each party envisions for the country. In this article, we delve into the manifestos of the major UK parties, dissecting their key points and pledges. From Labour’s extensive 136-page document to the Conservative Party’s bold economic and social initiatives, we explore how these manifestos aim to shape policy, impact finances, and address the big issues facing the nation. Join us as we unravel the commitments set forth by the political contenders and what they mean for the citizens of the UK.

Conservative Party Manifesto 2024

Labour Party Manifesto 2024

Liberal Democrats Manifesto 2024

Green Party Manifesto 2024

Reform UK Manifesto 2024

Scottish National Party Manifesto 2024

Plaid Cymru Manifesto 2024

ALBA Manifesto 2024

At the time this article was published, the ALBA manifesto had not been released. However a page giving details of Policies is available.

Workers Party of Britain

Scottish Greens Manifesto 2024

At the time this article was publised, the Scottish Greens manifesto had not been released.


Northern Ireland

General Election TV Debates

All the dates for the face-to-face General Election TV debates between the political parties and their leaders on UK television.

National

  • Head-to-Head: Tuesday 4 June, ITV ‘s Julie Etchingham will host the first major election debate from 21:00, between Mr Sunak and Sir Keir.
  • Seven-party debate: Friday 7 June, London – Mishal Husain will moderate a debate between leading figures from the seven biggest political parties, the Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party (SNP), Plaid Cymru, Green Party and Reform UK, in Great Britain. It will be broadcast from 19:30-21:00 on the BBC. Labour has said Sir Keir will not be attending the seven-party debate, while Mr Sunak has not yet decided.
  • The ITV Election Debate 2024: Thursday 13 June, moderated by Julie Etchingham. To be broadcast on ITV. Leaders or senior representatives from the following parties will participate; Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, SNP, Reform UK, Green Party and Plaid Cymru. Broadcasting on 13 June at 20:30 on ITV.
  • Question Time Leaders’ Special: Thursday 20 June, York – Fiona Bruce will present the show with questions from a studio audience, involving leaders of the four biggest political parties in Great Britain, broadcast from 20:00-22:00 on the BBC.
  • Head-to-head debate: Wednesday 26 June, Nottingham – Sophie Raworth will host the event involving Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer. This is set to be the final TV debate of the election campaign and will be broadcast from 21:00-22:00 on the BBC.

Scotland, Wales and NI

Debates have also been scheduled in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland:

  • Scotland Election 2024 Leaders’ Special: Tuesday 11 June – Stephen Jardine will chair a debate featuring the leaders of the five Scottish parties. They will appear in front of a live audience on BBC One Scotland from 20:00-21:00
  • Wales Leaders’ Debate live: Friday 21 June – Bethan Rhys Roberts will host a debate programme in Cardiff from 19:00 on BBC One Wales with the leaders of the main parties in Wales
  • Northern Ireland Leaders’ Debate: Thursday 27 June – Tara Mills will preside over a debate featuring the main party leaders in Northern Ireland, broadcast on BBC One Northern Ireland

Rishi Sunak is new PM

Rishi Sunak will be the UK’s next prime minister after winning the Conservative Party leadership contest.

Rishi Sunak MP
Rishi Sunak MP

The news was announced at 2pm today. He won the Tory leadership contest after rival Penny Mordaunt failed to secure enough backing from MPs.

In a TV address that lasted less than two minutes, Mr Sunak promised to serve with “integrity” and thanked outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss for leading the country during “exceptionally difficult circumstances”.

“The United Kingdom is a great country but there is no doubt we face a profound economic challenge,” he said. “We now need stability and unity and I will make it my utmost priority to bring our party and our country together.”

The King will appoint Mr Sunak, who will take over from Ms Truss following her resignation just 45 days into her tumultuous premiership last week.

Rishi Sunak In Front

Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak is the favourite to become Britain’s next PM, with over 100 votes from fellow Conservative MPs, the only leadership contender to have confirmed having reached this milestone.

Former PM Boris Johnson pulled out over the weekend, leaving just Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt in the race.

Give us Your View

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Who Should be the Next PM

How will next PM be chosen?

Candidates are looking for backers now to join the streamlined process.

Step 1

Hopefuls need 100 backers to enter the race.

If only one candidate gets 100 backers then there is no vote, and they automatically become the next leader.

Step 2

If more than 2 candidates, Conservative MPs vote repeatedly until only 2 candidates remain.

Step 3

From 2 candidates, Conservative MPs vote a final time and indicate their preferred candidate.

Step 4

Conservative members across the country vote online to pick a winner, unless one of the candidates drops out.

Step 5

The winner becomes leader of the Conservative party and next PM.

Liz Truss Resigns as PM

Prime Minister Liz Truss resigns as UK prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party. New leader to be chosen in a weeks time.

Liz Truss MP
Liz Truss MP

Liz Truss’s departure after 45 days in office makes her the shortest-serving PM in UK history.

Sir Graham Brady MP set out some of the broad principles of the contest this afternoon:

  • The leadership contest should be concluded by Friday 28 October
  • Party rules say there will be two final candidates, where the winner will be chosen by the members. This is assuming no-one drops out.

Sir Graham added that further details about the contest will be set out later.

Liz Truss named PM

Liz Truss MP
Liz Truss MP

The Foreign Secretary won the backing of 81,326 Tory members, compared with 60,399 for Mr Sunak.

The turnout in this year’s contest was 82.6%, with 141,725 party members casting a ballot.