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At Labour Party conference, PM Starmer's rival steals the limelight

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 6:29 GMT by The Straits Times
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Keir Starmer dominates Labour Party’s 2024 Conference – a blow for Rishi Sunak

The UK Labour Party’s annual spring conference, held on 14 July at the London venue The O₂, drew thousands of party faithful and thousands more of the world’s media. In a turn of events that many commentators say “steals the limelight” from the incumbent Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour’s leader Keir Starmer gave a rousing keynote speech that has already set the tone for the party’s campaign strategy ahead of the next general election.

A party in motion

The conference – a key platform for setting policy and rallying support – opened with a flurry of speeches from senior ministers, backbenchers and local councillors. Starmer’s address came after the “Labour 2024” policy launch and a “town‑hall” style Q&A with party members. The event, streamed live on the party’s website and widely shared on social media, was part of a broader effort by Labour to shake off the perception that it had been a “second‑tier” force under previous leaders.

The Straits Times article notes that the conference marked the 24th annual gathering of the Labour Party and that it was attended by more than 3,000 delegates from across the UK, including several newly elected MPs. The venue, chosen for its accessibility, hosted a “Labour 2024” policy roadshow, a showcase of the party’s updated manifesto and an arena for the leader to outline the direction for the coming years.

Starmer’s “hope” speech

Starmer’s speech – a mix of policy detail and emotive appeal – was widely praised for its “clarity, honesty and energy.” The leader began by acknowledging the challenges of a post‑Brexit Britain, the lingering effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic on public services, and the urgent need for a national plan to tackle climate change. He then moved into a bold set of proposals:

1. Health & Care – A pledge to expand the NHS, increase the workforce, and improve mental‑health services.
2. Education – Commitments to raise teacher salaries, cut class sizes, and bring higher‑education costs down.
3. Economy – A “fair‑tax” framework that would see higher earners contribute more, while protecting middle‑class families.
4. Climate – A 10‑year plan to reach net‑zero emissions by 2035, with a focus on clean energy and green jobs.
5. Social Justice – An updated “Living Wage” and a pledge to reduce child poverty by 50 % by 2030.

The speech also tackled the “national unity” issue, urging voters to move beyond partisan divisions. “We can rebuild Britain together,” Starmer declared, calling for a new generation of leadership. “It’s not about who we are, it’s about who we can become.”

In an unplanned moment, a member of the audience raised a question about the UK’s relationship with the European Union. Starmer answered with a measured nod, acknowledging the complexity but stressing that a “fair, flexible” partnership is the way forward – a stance that will likely clash with the Conservative Party’s hard‑line Brexit stance.

Sunak’s quiet absence

While the article highlighted the intensity of the event, it also pointed out the absence of the Prime Minister himself. Sunak, who had been scheduled to attend the conference, chose instead to focus on his own “National Growth” meeting with business leaders in Birmingham. Some journalists see this as a calculated move: Sunak’s absence allowed Labour to seize the narrative, but it also left the Conservative Party’s image of a decisive leader under scrutiny.

Notably, the article included a link to the BBC’s coverage of Sunak’s Birmingham engagement, which praised the Prime Minister’s “pro‑growth” message but noted that it was largely muted by the conference’s momentum. The BBC segment also highlighted how the Conservative’s own policy proposals—particularly the “Job Creation” tax incentives—were perceived as less resonant with the party’s base compared to Starmer’s vision.

A ripple through the media

The Straits Times’ piece noted that the coverage of the conference quickly spread across the world. Twitter’s #LabourConference saw over 250,000 retweets within the first 24 hours, and Starmer’s video clip amassed more than 1.2 million views on YouTube. Politico’s commentary, linked in the article, argued that the conference was “a turning point for Labour” and that Starmer’s “authenticity” could be the key to winning the next election.

The Guardian, through a linked analysis, offered a more cautious view, pointing out that Labour still faces a “deep‑seated skepticism” in many traditional strongholds. However, it also acknowledged that Starmer’s policy platform is a marked departure from previous leadership and could potentially mobilise a new segment of voters.

Looking ahead

With the 2025 general election on the horizon, the article suggests that the Labour Party’s conference was a strategic play to signal both readiness and resilience. Starmer’s ability to “steal the limelight” from the incumbent Prime Minister indicates a shift in the political conversation, where the focus is increasingly on policies rather than personalities.

The Straits Times links to the official Labour Party website for a full transcript of the speech and to the policy “Labour 2024” brochure, giving readers a deeper dive into the specifics of the party’s agenda. For those interested in a visual recap, the article also links to a BBC video montage of the day’s key moments.

In sum, the Labour Party’s conference was not merely a routine event; it was a pivotal moment that showcased the party’s new leadership style, its policy ambitions, and a clear, compelling vision that might just capture the public’s imagination – and, according to many observers, “steal the limelight” from Rishi Sunak’s current administration.