One Year On: Reflections on Labour’s First Year Back in Government 
04/07/2025

A year ago, the country delivered a resounding mandate for change. Labour’s landslide victory, winning 411 seats and gaining a majority of 174, was historic - reflecting a deep public hunger for renewal after 14 years of Conservative rule.

The sense of responsibility was immense. The campaign had been built on three pillars: economic renewal, rebuilding public services, and restoring trust in leadership.

The challenges were also clear: an economy battered by stagnation, public services under enormous strain, and a public weary of political chaos.

The first 100 days were marked by swift action:

Economic Stabilisation: The reversal of tax cuts for the wealthy, the establishment of the National Wealth Fund, and business rates reform, providing relief to high streets and small businesses. Early signs showed a modest uptick in GDP growth and business confidence.

NHS Recovery: Funding for 40,000 extra appointments, expanded medical training, and the recruitment of 8,500 new mental health professionals – aimed at beginning to address waiting lists and staff shortages.

Education and Housing: Free school meals for all primary pupils, new incentives for teachers, and increased state school funding targeted at deprived areas. Investment in council homes and the Renters’ Reform Bill helped stabilise rents and improve tenant protections.

Green Energy: The launch of Great British Energy and a national home insulation programme, which signalled a commitment to net zero, creating over 50,000 green jobs.

Yet, the realities of government soon set in. Some early decisions, such as means-testing winter fuel payments, reducing tax incentives for farmers and family businesses, and raising national insurance for businesses, alongside stories of expenses and hospitality gifts, sparked backlash, especially from voters who had just voted Labour for the first time.  The autumn budget, while redistributive, unsettled business confidence and drew criticism for not doing enough to address wage stagnation. Progress in public services was realbut slow; the NHS, schools, and courts all faced deep-rooted challenges that could not be solved overnight.

On the week that should have been a celebration of its first year in office, the government faced a bruising parliamentary battle over the welfare bill, with nearly 50 Labour MPs rebelling despite last-minute concessions. The bill’s passage has been controversial, with critics warning it could deepen poverty and health inequalities. The Prime Minister faced tough questions in the Commons, and the Chancellor was visibly emotional on the front bench, fuelling speculation and media scrutiny.

Polling has been sobering: Labour’s support has dropped by nearly a third since the election, now averaging just 24%; the sharpest fall for a government in its first year since 1992. The party’s authority is being tested from within, with further rebellions expected over universal credit. Public approval ratings remain weak, with only 14-17% of Britons approving of the government’s record, and the majority critical of its handling of the NHS, immigration, and the economy.

Communications have been a persistent challenge. The government’s transition from opposition to power has exposed weaknesses in narrative control and expectation management. A series of missteps, ranging from mishandled announcements to perceived cronyism in appointments, have allowed minor issues to snowball into damaging rows. The perceived lack of a clear,consistent message has eroded public trust and left the government on the defensive, struggling to define its identity and purpose.

The scale of the task is clearer than ever. The economy remains the most formidable test, with growth forecasts downgraded and fiscal headroom disappearing. Balancing the books without further tax rises or cuts to public services will require creativity and resolve. On housing and planning, delivery must accelerate without sacrificing environmental protections. The energy transition must deliver both affordability and sustainability. Internationally, the return of Donald Trump to the White House and ongoing global instability add further complexity.

Electorally, the coming year’s English local and general elections, in Wales and Scotland, will be the first major test of any reset that takes place over the coming weeks and months. The anti-establishment right is gaining momentum, and the Liberal Democrats and Greens are experiencing a resurgence in many areas. The government must hold its nerve, focus on delivery, and communicate its mission for national renewal with clarity and conviction.

The first year in government has been a mix of pride, frustration, and determination. The work of rebuilding Britain has begun, but the journey is only just underway. The next year will likely be make-or-break: the government must show not only that it can govern, but that it can deliver real change in people’s lives. The majority provides the space to be bold. Now is the time to use it, because the country cannot afford failure.