A Change in Fortunes

Two weeks can make a world of difference in politics. When Parliament reconvened after the summer break, Labour MPs were riding high while Tory ministers were feeling despondent. But now, as MPs prepare for the party conference season, the tides have turned and it's the Tories who have the momentum.

Sunak's Bold Move

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has come out swinging, signaling the start of the General Election campaign with a series of surprising decisions. Known for being risk-averse, Sunak has broken free from his cautious image by abandoning Britain's net zero targets.

A Hit on the Doorstep

Sunak's move has been met with praise by Tory party boss Greg Hands, who is running two crucial by-election campaigns. He reported back to No10 that the reversal of green policies was a hit among voters.

A Policy Overhaul

Sunak's chief aide, Liam Booth Smith, has promised that this is just the beginning of a major policy overhaul. The PM is planning more actions that will surely ruffle feathers and send Twitter commentators into a frenzy.

Speculations and Criticisms

There is talk of scaling back HS2 and making changes to inheritance tax and capital gains tax. Critics, however, are quick to point out the risks of such bold tactics, as witnessed during the Ashes.

Labour's Missteps

While the Tories rally, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has been facing his fair share of challenges. His recent stumbles on immigration and European relations have left him vulnerable to criticism.

A Familiar Influence

Starmer's reliance on New Labour figures and his close relationship with Tony Blair have not gone unnoticed. The influence of Blair's political playbook and the presence of other key figures from that era raise questions about Starmer's direction.

Partygate Executioner

Sue Gray, the former Whitehall mandarin in charge of the Partygate investigation, has also joined Starmer's team. With her meticulous approach, Gray is already finding weaknesses in the party's operation.

The Blair Stigma

For some within Labour, the association with Tony Blair is seen as a negative. However, Starmer's ally insists that they are not bothered by the Blair connection and value his experience.

As we approach the next election, it remains to be seen how voters will respond to the Tories' momentum and Labour's reliance on figures from the past.