{
  "id": 10113841,
  "title": "Labour conference 2026: What POLITICO reporters will be watching for",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/labour-conference-2026-what-politico-reporters-will-be-watching-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-27T02:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Politico EU",
    "slug": "politico-eu",
    "url": "https://www.politico.eu/article/labour-conference-2026-what-politico-reporters-will-be-watching-for/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Liverpool, England — Labour Party conference is underway in Liverpool, following a tumultuous year marked by local election setbacks, the departure of Keir Starmer, and the ascension of new leader Andy Burnham. The conference aims to set out the party's vision for the country and rally its supporters, all while avoiding any missteps. Here's what some top POLITICO reporters are keeping an eye on during the conference.\n\nU.K. Political Editor Dan Bloom will focus on Andy Burnham's first conference speech, which is set for Tuesday at 2 p.m. Bloom expects Burnham's speech to be more about vibe and vision rather than concrete policy, given the party's budget, 10-year plan, and devolution white paper are not due until later in the year. Burnham's slogan about \"hope again\" will soon face reality as government borrowing costs approach an all-time high. Burnham must also decide on \"stronger public control\" of industries like water and the placement of borders for new devolved powers.\n\nSenior Foreign and Defense Correspondent Esther Webber will be paying close attention to the foreign secretary's contributions this year, especially after Edward Miliband's muscular approach to foreign policy. Webber is interested in whether Ed Miliband, who has shown a more assertive stance on foreign affairs, will bring his own priorities to the conference. There will be mixed reactions from Labour supporters, with some advocating for more action on the Palestinian issue and others expressing concerns about potential negative impacts on UK Jewish communities.\n\nJohn Johnston, the London Influence Reporter, will examine what businesses hope to gain from the Labour Party conference. With businesses hoping to see what Burnham will do for them, Monday's business day, featuring Chancellor John Healey's Q&A session, will be crucial. Johnston anticipates businesses will be eager to learn about the party's plans for growth in every postcode, with the October 28 budget looming and the Chancellor's speech to Labour Party members on October 27.",
  "summary": "Here are key dynamics driving the annual gathering of the U.K.'s governing party —Andy Burnham's first in charge.",
  "key_points": [
    "Andy Burnham's first conference speech on Tuesday at 2 p.m.",
    "Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's contributions under scrutiny.",
    "Business day Monday with Chancellor John Healey's Q&A session."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "title": "Protesters march on Labour conference, call for ending arms sale to Israel",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/protesters-march-on-labour-conference-call-for-ending-arms-sale-to",
        "published": "2026-09-27T02:59:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}