Labour’s Tumultuous First Year in Government
The 2024 general election was marked by high expectations and a promise of stability, but the party’s first year in power has proven to be anything but smooth. While there have been some policy wins and positive economic indicators, the government has faced significant political turbulence, backbench rebellions, and faltering public support.
The new Labour intake was swiftly tested by the aftermath of last summer’s riots and a scandal over freebies, both of which were avoidable. New MPs were thrust into high-pressure situations just weeks into their roles. This was followed by the announcement on cutting winter fuel payments, a downbeat Party Conference and an unpopular autumn budget, featuring changes to inheritance tax for farmers.
Compounding the turmoil were numerous resets to key government missions, milestones, and targets, making it difficult to project a coherent policy agenda. U-turns on the winter fuel payments, on a national inquiry on grooming gangs after months of defending local inquiries, followed by the welfare concessions, has only shown frustrated loyal backbenchers what they get for publicly defending the difficult decisions. It’s worse than just egg on their face, they must work out how to explain this to thousands of constituents who only a matter of weeks ago they will have told the opposite. For some MPs, these issues will have prompted abuse and even death threats.
The one-year anniversary of Labour’s general election win was marred by a welfare rebellion that underscored internal fractures. Rumours of a major reshuffle were muted following the chancellor appearing upset at PMQ’s. One of the worst PR disasters the Government has experienced yet, setting hares running in the financial world and leaving anyone of any political persuasion asking what is going on?
Meanwhile, the government has been unable to halt a rise in small boat crossings, and poor polling figures combined with disappointing local election results have cast doubt on Labour’s ability to retain momentum. It’s too soon to know whether last weeks suspension of 4 Labour MPs will do anything to promote party discipline, given how many times the Government has given in on their demands.
Despite these setbacks, after the local election there was announcement after announcement, showing they were getting on with the job. The announcement of a new trade deal with India marked a diplomatic win and the Prime Minister’s performance on the world stage defending Ukraine has been impressive. He has risen to the task of building his relationship with President Trump, however difficult that might be for him politically. And whether it’s popular or not, they are doing what they said they would do. Ed Miliband has been rapidly getting on delivering on his promises, and extending voting to 16-year-olds is fulfilling another manifesto commitment.
As it stands on the final week before summer recess, the Government seems unsteadied by the events of the last 12 months. It has the summer recess to work out how to properly reset in autumn, avoid any more rebellions with upcoming votes on SEND reforms and the farmers’ tax, and they have an opportunity to impress at conference in Liverpool. Labour faces a critical juncture: restore coherence and unity or risk losing the public’s already wavering trust.
Join our webinar: Power, Place & Politics: Labour’s first year and the road ahead
Parliament will officially rise for summer on July 23rd, marking the end of the first term under the new Labour Government. As Westminster takes a break, now is the ideal moment to reflect on the year so far – and what could lie ahead.
Join Harriet Shone and Nicola Richards from Cratus Group on Monday 29th July at 3PM for a live webinar exploring:
- The key moments and themes from Labour’s first months in power
- What’s changed across local government
- How the tone of this new administration is taking shape
- What we should be watching for in the autumn and party conference season
Whether you’re in the public or private sector, this is a chance to gain insight before the political year ramps up again.
