One of the main focus points of any political party’s annual conference are the big set piece speeches. It provides a chance for the party faithful to pack into the main arena and watch their political heroes read from an autocue as they speak about their particular brief.
For the Prime Minister and his top team it’s an opportunity to rally the troops and, sometimes, announce some new policy. As the Labour party conference for 2025 draws to a close here is the Express’s take on some of this year’s vintage - a mixture of snoozefests, total nonsense and a bit of rabble rousing.
Let’s begin with the biggy. In terms of length at least.
The Prime Minister’s warbling monologue came in at just under an hour and was packed with, well, very little policy.
Instead, he took multiple potshots at Nigel Farage, stoking what has become a vitriolic feud between the two leaders about racism, migration and inciting violence.
It was a no frills speech from a bland politician.
But the fact that it generated some news spares it from a big fat zero.
Rating: 3 out of 10.
It would be fair to say the robotic Chancellor is no great orator.
But she spoiled what was one of her warmest outings in front of an autocue by pretty much admitting that she’s going to hike taxes at the Budget in eight weeks time.
To give her some credit, Ms Reeves deftly handled a protest with a Palestinian flag and had some announcements to make about getting young people into work.
However, it was largely the snoozefest we have been accustomed to by Rachel from accounts.
Rating: 1 out of 10.
The Deputy Prime Minister worked himself up into a bit of a lather as he took to the stage, unleashing a ranty tirade at Nigel Farage.
In a flurry of arm-waving and gestures he accused the Reform UK leader of “poundshop patriotism” and branded the party’s plans to deport immigrants as “racist”.
The audience loved it - although not as much had Angela Rayner still been in the role - but it served no real purpose.
Worse was to come for Lammy when he accused Farage of flirting with the Hitler Youth - later issuing a grovelling backtrack - during a toe curling TV interview.
Rating: 0 out of 10.
Here was a speech that at least got the Labour supporters bouncing in their seats and had a bit of substance to it.
The Health Secretary is regarded as a future leader of the party and his speeches like this one are a darn sight better than his droning boss.
Rating: 6 out of 10.
The new Home Secretary is not a rabble rouser and her delivery could be more dynamic but her speech was no nonsense.
And it contained some of the most important and topical policies of the week, namely her tougher message on the asylum crisis.
Rating: 7 out of 10.
