Shabana Mahmood says Labour Acts Like ‘Dysfunctional’ Family

As speculation over Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership continues, Shabana Mahmood admitted that the Labour Party acts like a “dysfunctional family”.

The Home Secretary addressed party tribulations at the close of Labour’s four-day conference in Liverpool.

She reassured delegates about unity.

Mahmood told delegates: “We are a family, a little dysfunctional at times perhaps, but a family just the same.”

Leadership ambitions dominated the conference.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, positioned himself as a future leader following speculation about Sir Keir.

Mr Burnham told The Telegraph that MPs had approached him about challenging Sir Keir. He fuelled speculation with further interventions during the event.

He told delegates Labour needed to “tell a better story” and accused the leadership of fostering fear among potential critics.

When asked about her own ambitions, Mahmood suggested caution towards politicians claiming no interest in becoming prime minister.

Insisting that her focus was on her current role under Sir Keir, Mahmood said:

“Like everyone else in the Labour Party, we are designed to be loyal.”

Her position as a “rising star” was cemented by her appointment as chairman of Labour’s national executive committee.

Addressing the conference, she linked the Government to Labour history.

Shabana Mahmood said the Labour Government “was following in the footsteps of Attlee’s new Jerusalem”.

She added: “Above all else, one thing has been clear to me at this conference. We know the scale of the challenge that we face.

“We know that working-class communities across this country are calling out for change. That change is underway. Yes, change takes time, but change is coming.

“And together, I know that we will renew this country. Thank you, conference.”

She warned about divisions facing the nation:

“As the Prime Minister said yesterday, we find ourselves engaged in a fight for the soul of our country.”

“And we have a choice between fear and hope, between division and decency, between grievance and renewal.

“I know the path that we will choose because I know the vision of this country that we all believe in.

“It is a vision of an open, tolerant, generous place. It is a patriotism that speaks but does not feel the need to shout.”