UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for "national renewal" and warned of "unpopular" decisions despite "light at the end of the tunnel" during his speech at the Labour Party conference on Tuesday.
During his speech, Starmer announced his intent to pass a duty of candour for public authorities and public servant named the "Hillsborough law" by next April which will include criminal sanctions.
Starmer's speech proved largely successful in appropriately toeing the line between optimism and realism in a manner the party has lacked during the first months of government. Whilst there is much to do to answer the many demands of the millions stricken by over a decade of Tory failure, Starmer has now clearly laid out his expectations in front of his party and the nation. Now, it is up to the Prime Minister to make good on his promises and take control of his premiership.
A speech lacking in substantive detail whilst saturated in Tory-lite status quo caution, Starmer's speech was any optimistic progressive's worst nightmare. Despite promises of change, it is becoming more abundantly clear by the day that Starmer's Labour are not brave enough to provide the meaningful reform the UK so desperately needs.
Whilst many had expected Labour's first party conference with a sitting prime minister in 15 years to be a celebration, reality has quickly set in for Starmer's new government who continue to realise that politics is not so easy when you're no longer in opposition. Unlike the Blair years, Labour's policies and mood are devoid of enthusiasm and are already tiring the vast majority of the voting population. Things are shaping out to be a long and tiring five years for Starmer.