‘Corbyn had flown too close to the sun’: how Labour insiders battled the left and plotted the party’s path back to power

Following the 2017 general election, Labour insiders recognized the need to reposition the party away from the hard left, particularly in light of Jeremy Corbyn's significant support among party members. Morgan McSweeney, who transitioned from the Local Government Association to lead Labour Together, aimed to reconnect the party with the electorate and build a sustainable coalition for future elections. This initiative was funded by prominent donors, including Trevor Chinn and Martin Taylor, who believed that Corbyn could potentially win the next election despite their disdain for his politics. McSweeney's group focused on developing a political platform that would require a credible candidate for future leadership elections. They acknowledged the challenges posed by Corbyn's popularity, which made it difficult to attract new members or challenge his leadership directly. The group also aimed to influence media narratives by targeting news outlets they deemed problematic, such as the Canary, while fostering relationships with more favorable platforms like the Guardian. As Labour's political landscape evolved, the party's leadership was acutely aware of the volatility in public opinion and the precariousness of their electoral majority. The shift from a significant loss in 2019 to a landslide victory in parliamentary seats highlighted the unpredictable nature of British politics. This context underscored the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency in governance. Keir Starmer's leadership emphasized the need for vigilance, urging party members to prepare for the next political race as if starting from scratch. The overarching message was clear: despite recent successes, the party must remain adaptable and responsive to the changing political climate to secure its future.