In a move that signals Labour's determination to learn from past electoral defeats, Sir Keir Starmer has held private discussions with the very architects who masterminded the victorious Brexit campaign. The meeting represents a significant strategic shift as Labour positions itself for government.
The Brexit Brains Trust
The clandestine gathering brought together Starmer with Isaac Levido, the Australian political strategist who served as Boris Johnson's campaign director during the 2019 general election landslide. Levido, who cut his teeth working on the Vote Leave campaign alongside Dominic Cummings, brings formidable experience in crafting winning political messages.
This isn't the first time Labour has sought counsel from across the political divide. The party previously engaged David Cameron's former head of strategy, Australian Sean Worth, indicating a pattern of reaching beyond traditional Labour circles for electoral expertise.
Learning from the Opposition's Playbook
Political analysts see these meetings as evidence of Starmer's pragmatic approach to securing power. By studying the methods that delivered both the Brexit victory and Conservative electoral successes, Labour aims to understand and counter the tactics that have kept them from government for over a decade.
The discussions likely covered crucial campaign elements including:
- Message discipline and simplification
- Targeting swing voters in key constituencies
- Digital campaigning and social media strategy
- Managing the media narrative throughout a campaign
- Effective grassroots mobilisation techniques
A New Approach for Labour
Starmer's outreach to former Tory strategists marks a departure from Labour's traditional insularity. The Labour leader appears determined to adopt whatever methods prove effective, regardless of their political origins.
This calculated move demonstrates Starmer's recognition that to win power, he must first understand why his party has repeatedly lost. The engagement with Levido and other Conservative-linked strategists suggests Labour is serious about leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory.
As the next general election draws nearer, these cross-party consultations may prove crucial in shaping Labour's campaign strategy and potentially determining the country's political future.
