Labour conference: Top things we learned down the POLITICO Pub

Labour's new leader Andy Burnham has ignited optimism among the public, with a new POLITICO poll showing that 53% of voters believe Labour has a realistic chance of winning the next election. This is a significant shift from 33% support when Labour leader Keir Starmer was in office. Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell remains confident that Labour will hold onto the Holborn and St. Pancras seat in the upcoming parliamentary by-election.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown remains a prominent figure, frequently providing advice to current ministers. The Labour cabinet now features ministers from different schools within the Labour movement, with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband signaling a shift in policy towards Russia and not supporting reparations for the slave trade.

Labour's former deputy chief whip Wes Streeting has adopted a firmer stance, warning Britain and Europe to stand firm against nationalist and separatist movements. Labour's stance on potential coalition governments remains unclear, with Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock stating that Labour would not work with Plaid Cymru due to concerns over nationalism and separatism.

Additionally, London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced plans to pedestrianize a kilometer of Oxford Street next month to ease congestion during the Christmas shopping season.