CONFERENCE SPECIAL
MILIBAND HITS THEM FOR SIX
STORY OF THE DAY
WE HEAR THAT… Justine Thornton is apparently getting a helping hand from Glenys Kinnock. The former Labour leader’s wife is mentoring Thornton to help boost her public profile. Damian McBride has revealed that England’s football manager Roy Hodgson is a “long and faithful Labour supporter”. McBride also claimed that Hodgson is a big fan of Gordon Brown. There were strict controls for the DJ in the main hall this year. He was carefully briefed not to play Tony Blair’s song-of-choice: “Things Can Only Get Better”.
An energy price freeze until 2017. An end to the Big Six energy companies. 200,000 new homes per year. Use it or lose it land policy. It’s safe to say Ed Miliband’s speech yesterday did not pull any punches.
TWEET OF THE DAY
The reaction was as expected. The Big Six and business groups said it was an assault on industry, and the right-wing press agreed. However, while there is doubt about the deliverability of some of Miliband’s key pledges, there is no question of their potential popularity. Labour may even relish a long legal battle over the energy price freeze as it will no doubt play well in the court of public opinion. There were notable absences from yesterday’s speech: education, welfare reform, immigration and deficit reduction. As a speech it eschewed challenging the Tories on the issues that Labour is generally perceived to be struggling on in comparison to the Government. Instead it sought to put clear red water between the parties. “They’re all the same” will not be heard so often, but whether voters will ultimately see the new/old look Labour Party as a credible party of Government is yet to be seen.
TODAY’S KEY EVENT Miliband received a standing ovation yesterday when he promised to ‘save the NHS’. Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham, who has been under pressure for his handling of the Mid-Staffs Hospital scandal, will also hope to have delegates on their feet this morning when he outlines his plans to integrate health and social care.
Daily Bulletin 2013
@WillHeaven Ed went v easy on the Lib Dems, didn't he? I counted just one mention in passing. Prepping for Lib-Lab coalition?
A GOOD DAY FOR...
Labour activists. After a year of calling for solid policies to sell to the electorate, activists now have a number of positions they can put forward. Miliband’s speech and the publication of “One Nation Economy” have provided a number of policies activists hope they can sell well on the doorsteps.
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A BAD DAY FOR…
The Shadow Cabinet. Very few members of Miliband’s team were mentioned in his speech. With a reshuffle a distinct possibility in the near future, many shadow ministers will undoubtedly be looking over their shoulder. Blairite MPs particularly expressed their concern following Miliband’s speech, thinking that it marks the final death knells for New Labour.
Edelman | Southside | 105 Victoria Street | SW1E 6QT London | www.edelmaneditions.com | 020 3047 2177 | @edelmanUK