It doesn't look as if Labour's lead is softening

Urmstongran

I suspect Rachel Reeves sounds so wooden because she is suffering from Imposter Syndrome and feels particularly vulnerable speaking to a group of business leaders.

Rayner, on the other hand, doesn’t have a clue how far out of her depth she is, so although she truly is an imposter - over-promoted to a grotesque extent - she is blithely unaware of why that might be a problem for the country.

Substitute the name in your second paragraph Urmstongran. You’re taking about Boris Johnson.

Urmstongran

I suspect Rachel Reeves sounds so wooden because she is suffering from Imposter Syndrome and feels particularly vulnerable speaking to a group of business leaders.

Rayner, on the other hand, doesn’t have a clue how far out of her depth she is, so although she truly is an imposter - over-promoted to a grotesque extent - she is blithely unaware of why that might be a problem for the country.

I think that you are suffering from Telegraph syndrome!

Hundreds of business leaders paid a substantial amount to listen to RR , and she was well received. Business leaders indicated that they were very satisfied snd content with what they heard.

I am not sure that I am entirely satisfied, but all but the far right headbangers will, I am sure be happy with what they heard.

True enough Whitewave. There is very little clear blue water now between Conservative and Labour in many respects. They overlap fiscally in so many areas. Reeves could be Hunt in a wig.

I wonder who all the ‘business leaders’ were? Anyway, they will claim the cost of attending against tax. I agree with Urms that RR is very wooden in her speech, almost as if she had an impediment - she should be well used to public speaking by now. I find her extremely difficult to listen to. As for AR - a total disaster. Starmer seems to have a policy of keeping her quiet at present but that can’t last forever.

Urmstongran

True enough Whitewave. There is very little clear blue water now between Conservative and Labour in many respects. They overlap fiscally in so many areas. Reeves could be Hunt in a wig.

😀😀😀😀

My money is still on David Milliband returning. We haven’t had a competent chancellor for so long, we need somebody with some gravitas and experience.

Oh I wish

Did you actually watch the whole of Rachel Reeves' speech and the extremely well received question and answer session with the businesses Urmstongran?

Whatever you think, the only complaint the business representatives had was that they didn't have enough time with her. They, sensible people, are more interested in what Labour will do to help them grow the economy and their businesses rather than the sort of childish ertertainment they are used to having to listen to. They prefer business-like to anarchic clowning.

You could almost hear the screech as they divert their donations from the Tory Far-right to sensible Labour.

In your dreams.

I felt Rachel Reeves sounded as if she had both in spades Casdon. Milliband might frighten business away and the country, and I believe Labour, need business.

Your usual factually based comment I see Germanshepherdsmum. You do seem to be following me around today to make such remarks.

You flatter yourself DAR. In fact it seems to be the reverse, given that you take note of what you think is my ‘word of the day’. Rest assured, I follow nobody around but I am aware of being followed.

DaisyAnneReturns

I felt Rachel Reeves sounded as if she had both in spades Casdon. Milliband might frighten business away and the country, and I believe Labour, need business.

I don’t know why you think David Milliband would frighten business away DaisyAnneReturns, he has always been progressive, he would fit in extremely well with the Labour top team.

Just replying to your "In your dreams" comment on my answer to Urmstongran, Germanshepherdsmum. As enlightening as always.

I’m so pleased you found it enlightening, especially as that wasn’t my intention. I hate to shatter illusions …

I said 'might'. Casdon. I don't think he necessarily should, but I, like I imagine the majority of the business leaders, am not a Socialist and that frames my opinion.

I do think he could be good for a Labour, Starmer-led government. In that position, I can imagine DM moving in a direction many Centrists can agree with. That sounds like faint praise, I know. However, Starmer has to appeal to more than Socialists.

At this point, Starmer needs to win over business. He needs their votes. He needs their donations and must convince them he will work with them to pull this country out of its rush towards some ultra-nasty gutters for the majority.

Business people are generally, by their very calling, capitalists. I'm not a capitalist, so I am trying to see it from their perspective. The move by Richard Walker from Conservative to Labour was no surprise. I could never understand why he attached himself to the current Tory Party in the first place. However, I doubt too many more will follow, although his move does no harm.

The other area Labour must consider is that, while they are ahead in every area, the one that shows it may pull back nearer the election is the economy. Those who are not interested in politics still believe the right-wing MSM brainwashing that governments like this one are better than Labour with the economy. Starmer needs to harden up those votes. What he and RR are doing now is intended to do that.

I do believe business and this Labour Party can work together. I hope I am wrong to be anxious about how David Milliband would be received but, personally and for tactical reasons, I would leave Rachel Reeves where she is.