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In pictures

Dancing, kebabs and protests: behind the scenes at Labour conference

Over three days in Liverpool, photographer Antony Medley captured conference delegates in an upbeat mood as they gathered to debate, dance and gear up for a tilt at running the country again

Wednesday 11 October 2023 12:28 EDT
Dancing at MP Dawn Butler’s Jamaica party at the Camp and Furnace venue in Liverpool
Dancing at MP Dawn Butler’s Jamaica party at the Camp and Furnace venue in Liverpool (Antony Medley )

Thousands of activists and organisers attended this week’s gathering, which could well be the last before the next general election.

In stark contrast to Conservative conference in Manchester, there was a more positive atmosphere, boosted by Labour’s solid by-election victory in Rutherglen and Hamilton West.

And Sir Keir Starmer’s on-stage encounter with a protester throwing glitter didn’t take the shine off the event, with plenty going on for our resident photographer to capture...

(Antony Medley)

In search of sustenance at the Labour Housing Group fringe event in the Hilton Hotel.

(Antony Medley)

John McDonnell attends a rally held by Disability Labour.

(Antony Medley)

A protester outside the conference hall.

(Antony Medley)

Dancing at Dawn Butler’s Jamaica party at Camp and Furnace.

(Antony Medley)

Unite members celebrate during a speech in the main conference hall.

(Antony Medley)

London mayor Sadiq Khan being interviewed outside the Pullman Hotel.

(Antony Medley)

Discussing the days events outside the main conference centre.

(Antony Medley)

Eddie Izzard at a drinks reception.

(Antony Medley)

Wes Streeting interviewed before speaking at a fringe event.

(Antony Medley)

Paul Drechsler, chair of the International Chamber of Commerce, speaks at the Best For Britain, British Kebab Awards in the Hilton Hotel.

(Antony Medley)

Best For Britain, British Kebab Awards in the Hilton Hotel.

(Antony Medley)

Ed Miliband talks to a party member.

(Antony Medley)

A protester outside the concert hall.

(Antony Medley)

Keir Starmer brushes glitter from his hair.

(Antony Medley)

Angela Rayner watches Keir Starmer’s speech.

(Antony Medley)

Michael Shanks, winner of the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election, is warmly congratulated.

(Antony Medley)

Rachel Reeves leaves the main conference hall after Keir Starmer’s speech.

(Antony Medley)

Emily Thornberry poses for a picture outside the exhibition area.

(Antony Medley)

Scunthorpe councillor Judith Matthews with souvenir glitter after the leader’s speech.

(Antony Medley)

In search of something interesting in the fringe handbook.

(Antony Medley)

Peter Mandelson at the Specsavers stand in the exhibition hall.

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