Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell has said this weekend's Labour Party Conference in Liverpool will set out how the Government intends to "do things differently", with a focus on devolving power, easing pressure on household finances and restoring hope in the country.
In a message to Labour members ahead of the conference, Powell said the party was entering Liverpool "energised about our country's future" and argued that Prime Minister Andy Burnham had already begun demonstrating a different approach in his first weeks in Downing Street.
She wrote:
Together, we will make this the moment Britain begins to hope again.
Labour's annual conference runs from 27 to 30 September in Liverpool, with Powell opening proceedings on Sunday and Burnham delivering the leader's speech on Tuesday.
Powell points to early cost-of-living action
Powell said Burnham had moved quickly after becoming Prime Minister to give households and businesses "more breathing space", pointing to measures intended to reduce everyday costs and support high streets.
She said:
Andy has already shown that he can get things done.
Her message framed those early interventions as the beginning of a broader political project rather than a collection of individual announcements.
At conference, Powell said Labour would explain how it intends to shift more power away from Westminster and into communities across the country.
We will set out how we are determined to do things differently: taking power out of Westminster and carrying it into every postcode, giving people the breathing space they need and making sure the basics function properly.
Labour seeks contrast with 'politics of division'
Powell also sought to draw a contrast between Labour's message and what she described as an increasingly loud and well-funded politics of division.
She told members:
At a time when the politics of division is louder — and better funded — than ever, we will take that hopeful alternative to the country boldly, confidently and authentically as Labour.
The message reflects Powell's role as deputy leader, in which Labour says she has focused on campaigning around the country, engaging members and communities and arguing for power to be "rewired" in favour of ordinary people.
Burnham speech set to be centrepiece
The centrepiece of conference will come on Tuesday when Burnham addresses delegates and sets out what Powell described as his "vision for the country".
Labour's official conference programme identifies Tuesday's leader's speech as the moment when the party will set out its wider vision, priorities and direction. Monday will include the Chancellor's speech, while Powell herself will speak on the opening Sunday.
Powell said conference would also feature major announcements and new ideas for Britain's future.
'Live from Liverpool' for members
Labour will also run an online programme for members unable to attend in person.
Live from Liverpool will broadcast from the conference Exhibition Hall on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings, offering highlights from the day, reactions and interviews with guests.
Powell said members would receive regular updates throughout conference covering major announcements and opportunities to get involved.
'The future does not belong to those who divide us'
Powell closed her message by presenting conference as an opportunity for Labour to define the political choice it wants to offer the country.
She wrote:
This is Labour's moment to show the country that the future does not belong to those who divide us.
Her concluding message was:
It belongs to everyone ready to make Britain hope again.
With Labour now preparing to gather in Liverpool, Powell is framing the conference around a simple political argument: that the Government's next phase should combine practical improvements to everyday life with a wider effort to restore optimism, devolve power and rebuild public confidence.
