Key facts
- Labour leader Andy Burnham faces a high-stakes budget in one month.
- Reform UK is two points behind Labour in national opinion polls.
- A POLITICO Poll found 53% of voters believe Labour has a realistic chance of winning the next election.
- Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband disagreed with the Trump administration's bid to invite Vladimir Putin to the G20.
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced a kilometer of Oxford Street will be pedestrianized next month.
At the Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool, POLITICO gathered insights from top politicians at its traveling pub. New Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces significant challenges, including an upcoming high-stakes budget and the continued presence of Nigel Farage's Reform UK, which trails Labour by only two points in national opinion polls.
A new POLITICO Poll from Public First revealed that 53% of voters believe Labour has a realistic chance of winning the next election, a notable increase from 33% in May. Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, expressed optimism about retaining the Holborn and St. Pancras parliamentary seat in an upcoming by-election.
Party chair Bridget Phillipson acknowledged Reform UK's organizational strength and funding, indicating they are a persistent force. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown continues to offer advice to current Cabinet ministers, with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Scotland Secretary Douglas Alexander both noting recent interactions.
Ministers Ed Miliband and Wes Streeting are increasingly focusing on international affairs. Miliband indicated a divergence from the Trump administration's stance on inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20, while Streeting urged European nations to adopt a more assertive posture on defense spending.
Despite Prime Minister Burnham ruling out a snap election, speculation persists about potential coalition arrangements. Stephen Kinnock, the Welsh Secretary, stated that Labour would not partner with Plaid Cymru if it involved supporting separatism and the breakup of the United Kingdom.
In a practical announcement, London Mayor Sadiq Khan revealed that a kilometer of Oxford Street will become pedestrianized next month, coinciding with the Christmas shopping season.