The Red Carpet: Navigating Labour Conference 2025

The annual Labour reunion returns to Liverpool – but the ferry across the Mersey promises to be a choppier ride for Keir Starmer than 12 months ago.

Grumbles have grown louder from within the rank-and-file due to the winter fuel allowance cut, welfare reforms, and level of public spending, all while the party has been squeezed by Reform on immigration and crime.

Unpopular moves may be justified by Reeves’ ‘fiscal blackhole’, but the same can’t be said for the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner MP which forced Keir Starmer to bring forward his widespread ministerial reshuffle. Unfortunately for Starmer, the turbulence didn’t end there, with fresh revelations resulting in the sacking of Lord Mandelson and questions about who in No 10 knew what when.

It sets the stage for a major milestone moment for the Labour Government. Starmer heads up the M6 under far greater pressure than any Prime Minister should face just 14 months after a landslide victory. Remarkably, there’s even speculation about his future in No 10.

This year’s Labour Conference is set to have another record-breaking attendance. If you haven’t got a hotel room in Liverpool, bad luck – you might be staying in Manchester.

But with popularity comes scrutiny and intrigue, and the question on everyone’s lips: “What should I expect from this year’s Conference?”
For some of our clients, party conferences aren’t a new thing, but for others this might be their first time at such a vast political gathering. Below are some of the main points to watch for in Liverpool.

Inside the ring

Security at all party conferences is serious business. The main Labour Conference zone is ringed with fences, vigilant teams, and bag checks. Once you are in, Conference is a microcosm of Westminster on the Mersey. Cabinet ministers rub shoulders with backbench MPs, special advisers, Lords, local leaders, campaigners, and business representatives – with the odd celeb thrown in for special measure.

Fringe Essentials

Most of your time will be spent at the fringe, which despite the name is as big, if not bigger, than the actual Conference itself. The fringe has something for everyone – panel discussions, receptions, and invite-only discussions sprawling across the secure zone, and beyond. Events often feature senior Labour figures and may even include decent catering (the prospect of a decent glass of wine and nibbles guaranteed to boost attendance). Make sure you have comfy shoes, an umbrella (after last year’s downpour) and plan ahead to use your time effectively.

Conversations that count

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself stood next to a cabinet minister in the queue for coffee. Grab these types of opportunities. Often the most valuable conversations happen en route between events or at one of the hotel bars later in the evening. Always be ready for a sudden walk-and-talk with a politician. Keep your elevator pitch polished, stride brisk, and tone casual. Even a vague commitment to a follow up chat back in London is a ‘win’.

Claiming a prime table in one of the hotel lobbies is a shrewd move – there’s no greater currency at party conferences. There’s real soft power to soft seating: coffee, comfortable chair, and the front-row view of important passers-by who you can try to catch for a five-minute chat.

Checking the pulse

The Main Hall remains the barometer of the party’s mood, dictated by attendance and liveliness of debate. It hosts the headline act on Tuesday: the Leader’s speech. Seats are scarce and anticipation high. This is the moment that dominates conversation and defines the overall success of Conference – both positively and negatively, depending on good and bad speeches – perhaps more so this year given the government’s troubles. If you want to be in the room, arrive early and be prepared to queue.

What next?

The big question for Keir Starmer is whether Liverpool sends Labour home energised or deflated. The outcome will shape not only the party’s trajectory towards next year’s local elections, but (and it is crazy to even be writing this) whether he is even the Prime Minister by the time they come around.

At Conference, the speeches matter — but so do all the conversations in between. It’s an important opportunity for clients to gain insight into the Labour government’s direction of travel and policy landscape. Get in touch if you or your organisation would like support to make the most of the Conference. My email address is Cameron.Iveson@thisisLCA.com.