Change and Caution: Starmer’s Labour Manifesto Echoes ’97 Spirit but Sidesteps Spectacle

Labour manifesto: Starmer dominates as the undisputed leader, yet his approach lacks daring

Following 14 years under Conservative governance, the Labour Party's manifesto is succinctly titled "Change." Addressing his reputation as overly prudent, Sir Keir Starmer asserts, "My campaign is for the prime ministership, not to manage a circus."

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Thursday, June 13, 2024, 8:

The slogan for Labour’s 2024 general election might as well be "Party like it’s 1997."

In 1997, Labour's manifesto featured a full-page image on the cover portraying a stern and intense Tony Blair.

Originally, the slogan used was "New Labour, because Britain deserves better," and the anthem for the campaign was D:Ream's "Things Can Only Get Better."

This year marks a pivotal point as Labour introduces its manifesto, simply titled "Change," following 14 years and five prime ministers under Conservative leadership.

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The image featured prominently shows Sir Keir channeling a classic 1997 New Labour vibe: jacket discarded, sleeves hoisted, with a grave, almost severe expression. It's reminiscent of Tony Blair.

Certainly, Sir Keir doesn't mirror Tony Blair. Instead, some longstanding Labour members see reflections of Mr. Blair's predecessor, the also legally trained, now deceased John Smith, in him.

During the recent election debate that featured seven participants, including representatives from minor parties, Nigel Farage criticized Sir Keir by labeling him as "Blair without the flair".

Certainly, the 133-page 2024 manifesto is quite straightforward. It contains no major shocks or contentious issues.

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Sky News political editor Beth Rigby posed a pointed question to Sir Keir: "Are you being overly cautious with this manifesto to maintain your lead in the polls?" His response was earnest. Once more, it lacked any flair.

"He emphasized the gravity of his intentions, stating, 'I am entering this race to serve as prime minister, not to lead a spectacle.'"

Circus? Currently, Sir Keir undoubtedly holds the reins as Labour's commanding leader. However, his tenure lacks any daring high-wire stunts, and detractors might argue it's devoid of any enchantment as well.

In a brief address that lasted 20 minutes at the elegant headquarters of the Co-op in Manchester, the only notable aspect of the event was the location itself. During the launch, Sir Keir Starmer delivered a single memorable quip targeting Nigel Farage of Reform UK, whom he evidently considers a jester.

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He commented, "Others might ask, 'Where's the magic trick?' If it's theatrical politics you're after, I've heard Clacton is lovely right now."

In addition to the prominent full-page image of Sir Keir featured on the manifesto's cover, another striking visual within the document captures the Labour leader engaged in an intense, reflective discussion with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the D-Day commemoration in Normandy.

Incredible turn of events! There was a significant meeting that Rishi Sunak could have attended, had he not left early to tape a campaign-related television interview. During the interview, the most headline-worthy revelation he made was about missing access to Sky TV during his childhood.

This striking photo effectively drives the message home. Would Tony Blair have passed up the chance to mingle and be snapped in photos alongside the leaders of the United States, France, and Germany? Certainly not.

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Following the unveiling of the manifesto, Sir Keir reiterated during a subsequent interview a statement he had made at the Sky News leaders' event the night before, emphasizing that he would not make commitments he couldn't fulfill.

A possible point of contention, particularly with the left wing of the Labour Party, is his decision not to eliminate the two-child limit on welfare benefits, a topic that also came up during the Sky News event in Grimsby.

He emphasized that he is only making promises he is confident he can fulfill, suggesting a hint of decisive leadership.

However, the potential for controversy lies not in the content of his manifesto, but rather in its omissions, such as specifics on which taxes might increase. While he has committed to not raising income tax, VAT, or national insurance, he remains silent on other possible tax hikes.

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The Conservative Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, who has maintained a low profile throughout the election campaign due to his challenging effort to retain his seat in Godalming and Ash, was quick to capitalize on that issue. This is something for which Labour can be grateful.

"Mr. Hunt emphasized that the key issue isn't what the Labour manifesto includes, but rather what it omits. He accused them of not committing to avoid taxes on employment, homes, pensions, vehicles, and businesses, believing they can do so without facing public scrutiny."

Indeed, that's expected of him, isn't it? Indeed, Sir Keir along with shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves have explicitly stated, for instance, that they do not plan to conclude the freeze on fuel duty.

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A typical strategy used by New Labour, especially for handling contentious issues, is to initiate a review. It's believed that their manifesto calls for up to 14 reviews covering topics like pensions, parental leave, school curricula, universal credit, and sentencing laws.

Labour is holding back on revealing its more controversial policies until after the election, should Sir Keir indeed assume the role of prime minister.

Consequently, considering the magnitude of Labour's lead in the polls, the term "Captain Caution" seems quite apt. Sir Keir and his close advisors are likely satisfied with how the manifesto unveiling unfolded. However, this contentment might only last until they read the headlines in tomorrow's newspapers.

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Fortunately, Sir Keir avoided a repeat incident where he was doused in glitter by a protester, similar to what happened during his speech at the previous Labour party conference.

However, the event was interrupted when a heckler, evidently a climate activist, rose to exclaim, "This party and its manifesto are failing my generation. It's just the same old Conservative strategies!"

Sir Keir is becoming familiar with this setting. Recall the 2021 Labour conference, when he responded to hecklers by asking, "Shouting slogans or changing lives?"

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This time, he responded loudly, "We stopped being a protest party five years ago. Now, we aim to be a party in power."

From demonstrations to dominance: Transformation. It's all so reminiscent of 1997

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