This morning at the Co-Op Headquarters – not to be confused with the Co-Op Live arena – in Manchester, Sir Keir Starmer launched the Labour Party’s manifesto, promising change, economic growth and stability.
Before Sir Keir took to the stage, we heard from Richard Walker, the Executive Chairman of Iceland, and voters, Dan from East London, affected by the housing crisis, Nathaniel, a cancer patient, and Holly, a first-time voter, each telling their story of what Keir Starmer’s Plan means for them.
There were no rabbits in this manifesto, perhaps a sign of how Sir Keir plans to govern should Labour win on July 4, with the Labour Leader saying: “if you want politics as pantomime, I hear Clacton is nice this time of year”. Not just a dig at Nigel Farage, but also the Conservatives, who Labour claim are offering unfunded commitments in a bid to win back voters.
Labour’s Five Missions – to kickstart economic growth, make Britain a clean energy superpower, take back our streets, break down barriers to opportunity and build an NHS fit for the future – provided the backbone of the manifesto.
There is a clear narrative that runs through each of Labour’s missions. One that looks to paint a picture of decline over the last 14 years of Conservative Government, and set out how Labour would look to turn it around – whether on policing, education or housing.
Without any new offers to voters, or headline grabbing announcements the safe and assured manifesto launch plays into Labour’s ‘Ming Vase Strategy’. As a result, it’s unlikely there will be no new lines off attack from the Conservatives, especially on tax as Sir Keir repeated his commitment not to raise taxes on working people.
With three weeks until polling day, Labour’s message of change will continue to be central to their campaign as they cautiously edge closer to the finish line and do all they can to not set hares running.
For more information, read our briefing document here, and find the full Labour manifesto here.
