Labour will lean into hope at first conference in power for 15 years

Don't expect Obama 2008 levels, say sources, but ministers know Starmer's party have much to celebrate in Liverpool

When Ellie Reeves opens Labour conference, she will be the first Labour minister to do so since Harriet Harman walked off the stage in Brighton 15 years ago. For the 20,000 Labour supporters flocking to Liverpool this year, it is in many ways the first chance at a victory party.

In No 10, there is a dilemma about how much ministers can use that sense of celebration - with a story to drive home about the dire state of Labour's inheritance and amid a background of weeks of turmoil over winter fuel allowance, donations and the prime minister's chief of staff.