Starmer casts Reform as 'the enemy' as Labour vows to win a fight for the nation’s soul ahead of conference

LONDON — Labour leader Keir Starmer warned that the party must win a “fight for the soul of the nation” against Reform UK, calling the upstart party “the enemy” as he prepared for his team’s annual conference in Liverpool. In remarks to The Guardian, Starmer said history would not forgive Labour if it did not marshal every ounce of energy to counter Reform, arguing there is an “enemy” and a project that is detrimental to the country. He framed the conference as a chance for Labour to reclaim patriotism from Reform and asserted he would confront Reform, not ape Reform, amid internal tensions over positions such as immigration policy.

Starmer stressed that he intends to lead Labour into the next election and urged colleagues to ignore speculation about his grip on power. His rhetoric was seen by some observers as a dig at Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, who has suggested mutinous MPs want him to challenge Starmer for the leadership. The remarks come as Labour seeks to project unity ahead of the Liverpool gathering, even as critics within the party argue over strategy and tone after a string of recent controversies.

The accompanying political survey for the Daily Mail provides a stark backdrop: Reform UK holds 29% support, well ahead of Labour at 20%, with the Conservatives at 15%, the Lib Dems at 9% and the Greens at 8%. The poll also paints a bleak portrait of public sentiment toward Labour’s leadership, with Nigel Farage’s party enjoying a net edge in favorability and Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer carrying a negative net rating. About 42% view Farage favorably, while 27% view Starmer positively, and roughly half regard him unfavorably.

The poll’s substance extends beyond party tallies. Voters identify the cost-of-living crisis and immigration as top priorities, and inflation has climbed since Labour’s election victory, leaving many respondents feeling worse off. The survey also shows waning faith in Labour to address illegal immigration and a perception that the government has not sufficiently cleaned up politics or restored public trust after a series of scandals, including the departure of deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Britain’s ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, from high-profile posts.

Within Labour’s circle, the party’s internal debates have not been trivial. Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, faces scrutiny over allegations that he diverted or concealed donations tied to the Labour Together think-tank, despite being advised that he had a legal duty to declare them. The controversy has added to a sense that the party is navigating a challenging path between reformist ambition and public accountability as it moves toward a conference aimed at resetting its message.

As Labour staggers to define its stance on law and order, immigration, and the economy, the party is trying to strike a balance between presenting a compassionate alternative and projecting competence to skeptical voters. The Daily Mail poll’s snapshot suggests Reform’s surge is not merely a protest vote but a signal that Labour faces a substantive challenge in appealing to working-class voters who, in the past, formed a core part of the party’s base. The data indicate a widening gap between reformist and traditional Labour messaging, underscoring the urgency of a cohesive campaign narrative at the Liverpool gathering.

Analysts say Starmer’s emphasis on unity and his sharpened critique of Reform are designed to shore up Labour’s base while signaling readiness to take on a political challenger that has capitalized on discontent with the status quo. The conference will be closely watched for signs of how Labour intends to respond to voters’ concerns about cost of living, the economy, and immigration—issues that polls show remain central to the public’s assessment of the party’s leadership and future prospects.

In this context, Reform UK’s momentum is framed not just as a tactical obstacle but as a testing ground for the resilience of Labour’s national campaign. The party’s ability to translate its values into concrete policy proposals—particularly on the economy and welfare—will be seen as critical if Starmer and his team are to close the gap ahead of the next general election.