The Cardew Public Affairs team are back from Liverpool - here's what they learnt:

1. Sir Keir Starmer has bought himself some time... Labour are stronger and more united than they were when Conference started, buoyed by a series of rousing speeches and fewer missteps than most expected. But whilst the Labour Government now has the opportunity to build upon Starmer's speech, Reform UK's poll lead is commanding and voters are looking for delivery.
   

2. The battle lines have been drawn for next election... Starmer used conference as (another) reset, to define his new plan to "Renew Britain", and set out a hopeful forward-looking agenda. He drew a clear line against Reform on issues such as immigration (and "Farage-boats") and rejected what he called the politics of division. The Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers urged members to stay the course, have faith, and give them time to turn the ship around.
   

3. Reform are the enemy... The pantomime villain was Nigel Farage 'the snake oil merchant' not the Conservative's Kemi Badenoch. Starmer's speech appeared to have rattled the Reform leader, and Labour strategists will be cheered by this morning's poll that suggested that given a straight choice between Farage and Starmer, 45% would choose Starmer, 33% Farage.
   

4. The leadership challenge is over for now... Andy Burnham’s moment in the spotlight served as a reminder that timing is everything when you’re eyeing the top job. Oh, and it helps if you're a serving MP and understand how easy it is to spook the bond markets. His campaign implosion has been a gift to Starmer.
   

5. But others' ambition remains... Starmer remains under pressure, and strong speeches and media performances from other possible contenders Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood reminded the party faithful that alternatives exist, though Ed Miliband appeared to rule himself out.
   

6. The deputy leadership race was a bit of a side show... The scheduling of the hustings on Wednesday (famously the day that most begin their exodus from Liverpool), meant the deputy leadership race barely registered in conference bars.
   

7. The defining issues of the day... While immigration and renewing Britain dominated the conference stage, energy, housing, health and financial services dominated the corporate-sponsored events on the conference fringe. Always a good guide to the policies in Ministers' in-trays.
   

8. The fundamentals haven't changed... While Labour will be relieved to have pulled off a confident and well-received conference, the real tests lie ahead. The Government is unlikely to become more popular after Budget on 26 November, and next week the Conservatives have their chance to grab the headlines.
   

9. The May elections will be a serious test for Labour... The party has come out swinging against Reform UK, but the insurgent de facto Opposition is still setting the agenda. Local elections have long been a vehicle for protest votes, and Labour have most town hall seats to lose, plus difficult elections in Wales and Scotland.
   

10. Everyone loves to talk about the weather... And at Labour conference, it often sets the tone. Last year, grey skies mirrored a nervy political mood. This year, the sun was shining, and seemed to bring with it a renewed sense of optimism. But can Labour weather the storms ahead?

If you'd like to discuss what this means for your organisation, get in touch: public.affairs@cardewgroup.com