What a Labour government will mean for pensions, tax and housebuilding

Keir Starmer is under pressure to set out a bolder vision for his party and the country – but he will only ditch his natural caution when he wins power, writes Andrew Grice

Keir Starmer is under pressure from some advisers to ensure some quick wins on popular policies (PA)

Speaking at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Nicola Sturgeon described Labour as a “pale imitation of the Conservatives“ and urged Keir Starmer to “find a backbone”. A predictable attack from an SNP in turmoil ahead of a crucial by-election in Rutherglen and Hamilton? True. Yet the funny thing is that many people inside Labour would privately agree with her.

Given Labour’s 20-point opinion poll lead, there’s a growing internal debate about whether the party should now be bolder to cement its likely election victory next year and outline more ambitious policies to provide the anchor for a Labour government. Some on the soft left – Starmer’s natural habitat, even though he has adopted Tony Blair’s playbook to win – fear his government would lack a guiding star and be rudderless.