The Labour Party’s annual conference takes up a lot of the news this week, as prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and his ministers set out their messaging for the year ahead.
Elsewhere in today’s news, Japan’s ruling party is scheduled to pick the next presumptive PM, while senior members of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade receive recognition for their work.
Labour Conference
The Labour Party Annual Conference continues in Liverpool for most of this week.
Today (29 September), chancellor Rachel Reeves will give her major speech, likely setting out her vision for the UK economy over the next year.
She ruled out raising VAT in an interview with the BBC, while appearing to step back from a similar commitment on income tax. However, the chancellor urged people to “wait for the budget” to hear more details.
During the interview, Reeves committed to reforming business rates and lowering the benefits bill, although did not give more information on how she could accomplish these objectives.
The Chartered Institute of Export is hosting two free-to-attend events today at the fringes of the conference, and will be representing the interests of the UK’s importers and exporters in Liverpool.
Starmer ‘comeback’
Starmer will deliver his set piece speech to the conference tomorrow. It comes after criticism from some within his party, including Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.
Burnham, who has twice run for Labour leader, described a “climate of fear” within the party that was shutting down debate, and has said that Labour MPs have urged him to challenge Starmer for leadership.
Starmer has already been talking up the prospect of a comeback for his party, saying it was time to "roll up our sleeves and get on with it". Labour currently trails Reform UK in the polls, with Starmer recently reaching a record low personal approval rating for a prime minister.
The PM also renewed his attacks on Nigel Farage, saying he would present an alternative to Reform UK’s “toxic divide and decline” approach.
Purpose Power List
Two senior figures in the Chartered Institute have been recognised for their achievements.
Director general Marco Forgione and Customs Practice director Anna Doherty have been included on the annual Purpose Power List.
The Purpose Power List “is a landmark celebration of remarkable individuals driving meaningful change across the UK”, and is organised by the non-profit Purpose Coalition.
The list includes other senior figures from Parliament, business and the non-profit sector.
Japan leadership race
The Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is gathering to pick a new leader this week, after the resignation of prime minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Shinjiro Koizumi and Sanae Takaichi are seen as the front runners. The 44-year old Koizumi, the son of a former prime minister, would be the youngest person to take the role, while Takaichi would be the first female leader of Japan.
The LDP, which has led Japan for most of its postwar history, has suffered a series of electoral setbacks and scandals. The winner of Saturday’s vote is not necessarily guaranteed to become prime minister.
The new leader will have to tackle both falling poll numbers, threatening the once-dominant political party’s grasp on the country, and the continued diplomatic wrangling over US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which have hit the Japanese auto industry particularly hard.
Other dates for the diary
· Monday: State of the Environment report issued by the European Environment Agency
· Tuesday: China’s manufacturing Purchase Managers’ Index
· Wednesday: Start of Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur
· Thursday: The Orionid meteor shower starts its activity, running until 7 November
· Friday: First budget forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility
· Saturday: Social Democratic and Labour Party annual conference
· Sunday: Meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) and allies
