How Long Can Labour's Feel-Good Factor Last? - BBC News
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How Long Can Labour's Feel-Good Factor Last?
Published 5 hours ago by Laura Kuenssberg
Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg
"He just loves being prime minister," observes a government insider.
Andy Burnham might not yet have delivered his crucial conference speech, but he has been preparing for this moment for years. He'll lap up the inevitable cheers – not just as Labour's leader, but as someone who resonates with the party's base, who puts social justice at the forefront, and who isn't afraid to dust off the greatest hits – whether targeting Mrs Thatcher, privatisation, or north-south divides.
Speaking to MPs, ministers, and advisers inside the party, it's clear that Labour is in a much happier state than this time last year. There's a simple reason, according to one cabinet minister: "People like the new prime minister more than they liked the old one – that's the truth of it." Another minister agrees: "There is no appetite for destruction – very little naysaying."
But Labour's positive mood isn't just based on personal popularity. The party finds itself in a rare position among our political parties – there are no whispers about ousting the leader, and even those who disagree with the direction don't criticize openly, instead framing their opinions as suggestions for improvement.
"The mood's good – everyone is going into conference with their ears open," said one MP, eager to hear more from Burnham.
This feel-good factor is also boosted by Labour moving up slightly in the polls – a senior figure notes: "We're all witnessing the Burnham bounce – whether that's how you feel when you see the polls, or how we all feel when we have meetings together."
Those inside government also attribute this to an improved political operation around the prime minister. "The system's better, you get clearer decisions, better steers when you need them," says a minister. Another source acknowledges the new Downing Street setup but adds wryly: "It's unfair to compare the end of a regime which is always pretty nasty, with the arrival of a new one which is always more hopeful... these things can change."
Whispers suggest announcements on housing and defense in the coming days. Some MPs also want Burnham to elaborate on themes they've heard about but remain undefined – "public control" and "re-industrialisation."
And while Burnham enjoys his prime moment, the reality of governing could prove less delightful. A minister reminds us: "It's a new front man, but the song hasn't changed." The budget, just a month away, looms large, bringing with it *"10 billion of cuts or 10 billion of tax rises," according to a well-connected source. Treasury sources downplay the specific figure, but the pressure on public finances is undeniable.