KEIR Starmer yesterday issued a rallying cry to a nation worn down by 13 years of Tory misery, with a pledge to build a better future for all.
The Labour leader promised to "fight for Britain" and vowed to get the crippled NHS back on its feet, bring down energy bills and build more houses to tackle shortages.
And in a display of his battling qualities, Mr Starmer shrugged off a protester who showered him in glitter to deliver a rousing speech to the party conference.
Taking off his jacket and rolling up his sleeves, he told the packed hall in Liverpool: "If he thinks that bothers me, he doesn't know me.
"Protest or power? That's why we changed our party.
Mr Starmer praised the spirit of the British people despite the "Tory project to kick the hope out of this country". He said: "The fire of change still burns in Britain and it lives on in Labour."
His promise of a brighter future will have been music to the ears of millions plunged into poverty by cruel Tory austerity policies.
Mr Starmer said he would create a nation where "working people are respected, crime is prosecuted, ambulances come, the minimum wage is enforced, infrastructure gets built".
He continued: "Children feel safe in their classroom, business and workers unite in partnership, fight together for the jobs of the future, well-paid jobs.... jobs in your town.
"I grew up working class. I've been fighting all my life. And I won't stop now. I've felt the anxiety of a cost of living crisis before. And until your family can see the way out, I will fight for you."
If Labour gets into power in next year's election, Mr Starmer warned the scale of the challenge would be immense compared with his predecessors.
This story is from the October 11, 2023 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 11, 2023 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Amorim has to axe Reds' flops
THE saying goes that Rome wasn't built in a day - and Ruben Amorim faces one heck of a challenge when it comes to rebuilding Manchester United into the footballing empire it once was.
HOWE GREAT IS OUR ISAK?
Eddie hails his world-class striker Alex
HYP HYP HOORAY
Bunting: Hypnotism saved my career and it could do the same for Bully Boy Smith
JACK TO A KING
Draper's career is on the up and 2025 could be the year he takes it to another level
XMAS HORROR
Couple die after being hit by car
Hero..at 110
D-Day veteran & UK's oldest man celebrates big birthday
Merry Xmas ..war isn't Over
Diary of English woman in Germany tells of festive seasons throughout WWI
Pranks a million!
Ex-nurse thought Omaze house win was an April fool's joke by her kids
Brit medics on a Gaza Christmas
NHS heroes help out in war zone
My husband's face lit up at the end of Vera Brenda Blethyn
Star's family happy to get summers back