Now That’s What I Call Party Conference Season
Anyone who's been anywhere near an election knows that the leader’s walk-on song quickly becomes their anthem. Just ask Steve Bray, who’s made a name for himself outside Westminster by ironically blasting D:Ream’s “Things Can Only Get Better”, a song now synonymous with New Labour’s 1997 landslide victory, alongside other hits.
President Trump’s recent personal visit to Scotland also gave us an unusual musical moment, when journalists noted his golf buggy’s playlist reportedly included “Memories” from Cats the Musical and “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers, an odd pairing that made its way into the Newscast podcast.
UK party conferences, however, have long been ground for iconic, often chaotic, political soundtracks.
With a reputation for spontaneous karaoke, awkward dance moves, and energetic young politicos in sharp suits, conferences and their walk-on songs are as notable for their analysis and controversy as they are for their comedy. As we gear up for the 2025 conference season, PoliMonitor takes a look at some of the most infamous tracks in political history. Because while these moments may seem throwaway, political parties carefully debate the songs that could endear their leaders to the nation.
From Setlists to Spin
In 2013, Ed Miliband’s conference track “Lifted” by Naughty Boy featuring Emeli Sandé made little impact but in 2024, the musical moments were far more deliberate. Sir Ed Davey’s speech at the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton ended with the unmistakable intro of “Sweet Caroline.” It wasn’t exactly a surprise. Davey had previously been filmed euphorically singing it on election night, celebrating the party’s best result ever at a general election. The track, universally loved for its sense of collective joy, has become embedded in national pop culture in nod to its feel-good status from the Euros 2024 and a safe bet for getting people singing, even in the shadow of the England men’s team’s tournament defeat.
Interestingly, “Sweet Caroline” cropped up at the afterparties of Labour, Conservative, and Reform UK conferences in the same year. While never part of the official programme, its popularism hinted at the unifying, crowd-pleasing power that can transcended political divides.
When the Music Doesn’t Land
D:Ream’s “Things Can Only Get Better” will forever be linked to New Labour’s 1997 landslide. The club hit was perfect for the time and it even saw the band’s lead singer join Tony Blair on stage during rallies. However, the song was just as easily mocked, especially when things went awry. The headline “Things Can Only Get Bitter” was a common rebuttal.
Some tracks, however, misfire immediately.
In 2013, the Conservative Party was warned by Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke not to use their music. Similarly, in 2011, Primal Scream condemned the Conservative conference for allegedly playing “Rocks” without permission.
Heather Small, frontwoman of M People, recently joined the Lionesses in front of Buckingham Palace after their 2025 Euros win, but in 2022, her former band was far less pleased with the use of her hit “Moving On Up” at the Conservative Party Conference. Mike Pickering, M People’s founder, expressed his frustration with the track being used to accompany Liz Truss’s speech. In a similar vein, in 2021, Boris Johnson’s entrance to “Blue Cassette” by Friendly Fires saw the band quickly issue a statement distancing themselves from the PM.
And then there’s Nigel Farage. At the 2024 Reform UK conference in Blackpool, he walked on to “Without Me” by Eminem. While he gleefully sang “Guess who’s back, back again!”, he also admitted he wasn’t quite sure who Eminem was.
At times, it’s not the artists, but the lyrics themselves that cause issues.
In 2008, Gordon Brown’s entrance at the Labour conference to “Sit Down” by James also turned heads. Frontman Tim Booth later explained the track was written about human connection and overcoming isolation, inspired by his own struggles with insomnia and panic attacks and told NME in an interview he felt its use as a political rallying tune missed the point, especially given lyrics like “If I hadn’t seen such riches, I could live with being poor”, which took on an ironic edge during the financial crisis of the time.
Similarly, William Hague’s use of “Man Next Door” by Massive Attack during a key speech was awkward. The track, about dealing with an antisocial neighbour, sparked backlash, with the band stating they were "completely f****d off" with the Tories.
Some choices, meanwhile, feel more symbolic than strategic. In 2005, Tony Blair’s entrance to “Get This Party Started” by Pink at Labour’s conference seemed out of step with the tone of the event, raising questions about whether it truly reflected the weight of government responsibilities.
Conference Misfires, Memes, and Memes Again
The Green Party has grown a reputation for pushing the boundaries of pop culture. In 2024, they adopted Charli XCX’s Brat album artwork in their campaign visuals as “Brat summer” gained viral status online and led to a flurry of mostly ill-fated imitations. The minimalist green design went viral for both its cleverness and its lack of polish prompting some, who aren’t big Charli followers, to wonder whether the party just needed a better designer.
In a similar style, at the 2015 General Election, the Green Party released a political broadcast styled as a boyband music video, with Nigel Farage, David Cameron, Nick Clegg, and Ed Miliband as pop group members. The satire didn't land well, with the impersonations falling short of expectations and most observers left wondering who was supposed to be who.
No one, however, has embraced the conference stage quite like former Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May. At the 2018 Conservative conference, she shocked activists, aides, and reportedly even her husband Philip with a surprise “shimmy” to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” The viral moment earned her dance moves the nickname “The Maybot.” The memes were unstoppable and even now, mention dancing and Prime Minister May to anyone and they know. The former Prime Minister even offered tips to the Strictly cast shortly after.
In 2024, the Conservatives delivered another musical surprise with Peter Andre performing “Mysterious Girl” at the Mooncat Bar during Conference. Rumours circulated that the “mysterious girl” was former Health Minister Thérèse Coffey, while Andre clarified that he's “Conservative by name, not by nature” whatever that means.
Can They Actually Use Those Songs?
The short answer? Not really.
Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, playing music in public generally requires permission from the rights holders, typically the artist, record label, or publisher. In the UK, this is usually managed through TheMusicLicence, issued by PPL PRS Ltd, which covers the vast majority of commercial tracks. While this licence allows music to be played in a wide range of public settings including political events, organisers of election campaigns or party conferences are strongly advised to seek direct permission from the rights holders before using any track. This is because TheMusicLicence does not override an artist or label’s right to object to their music being associated with political messaging, even if the performance is technically licensed.
Reading Between the Lyrics
Walk-on music has evolved from a small quirk to an essential part of political communications. These moments are designed to set the tone, convey a message, and offer a glimpse of a party's identity but they’re not without risk. A misjudged song can undermine a leader’s message, stir backlash, or highlight contradictions that would be better left unspoken.
For political observers, these choices provide invaluable insight. They reveal how parties want to be seen, who they’re trying to speak to, and what emotional terrain they want to occupy, be it hope, nostalgia, patriotism, or rebellion. In 2025, every detail matters. Sometimes, what plays in the background says just as much as what’s being said on stage.
What We’re Tracking This Conference Season
At PoliMonitor, we don’t just track what politicians say. We monitor what they soundtrack, meme, and post because in modern politics, everything is messaging.
This conference season, we’ll be at almost every UK political party conference, producing in-depth analysis, insights, and briefings. We’ll be tracking everything from the speakers and speeches to the memes, viral moments, and yes, the walk-on music. Want to know what the music behind the message is saying? Get in touch with us at info@polimonitor.com to find out more.
And just for fun, below are some PoliMonitor suggestions to party leaders for 2025. Let us know in the comments below or tag a fellow political enthusiast who might have their own idea!
Thanks, as always, for using PoliMonitor.
PoliMonitor’s Playlist Suggestions for Conference 2025
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
“Roll with It” - Oasis
It’s officially bucket hat season. With Oasis reuniting and touring again, this pick would hit both the nostalgic New Labour chords and the current cultural moment. Starmer might not be chasing cool, but surely he knows a good chorus when he hears one, and the song’s lyrics could also send a defiant message to backbench MPs who continue to stoke the flames of rebellion.“Under Pressure” - Queen
A more on-the-nose option. After a year of economic turbulence and high expectations, this would nod to the reality of governing while keeping Freddie-level defiance in the air.“Signed, Sealed, Delivered” - Stevie Wonder
Delivery is the new political currency, and Starmer has leaned hard into it. Breakfast clubs, NHS appointments, school repairs if Labour’s message is "we promised, we delivered", this one wraps it up neatly.
Leader of the Opposition and Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch
“Stand By Me” - Ben E. King
A calm call for loyalty. With competing factions still active behind the scenes, this would be a message to the party: don’t move against me, yet.“Gotta Get Through This” – Daniel Bedingfield
A 2000s throwback with energy, anxiety, and a message that says what it needs to: yes, things are rough but the leader’s still here and still standing.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey
“Everything Is Awesome” - The Lego Movie
Annoying, upbeat, entirely self-aware. After jetskiing and falling off a paddleboard (on purpose), this might be the most on-brand pick of the season.
Leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage
“God Save the King” - (UK National Anthem)
Full volume, no backing vocals, no ambiguity, no subtlety. Farage knows how to use patriotic symbolism, and this would reinforce Reform’s bid to become the party of flag, monarchy, and fury at the status quo.
“Smooth Operator” - Sade
With the meteoric rise of Reform UK from an idea to four MPs, this is perhaps the anthem that describes Farage in the way he would most want to be seen. And really who can resist grooving along to this.
Co-Leaders of the Green Party Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay
“Mr Blue Sky” - ELO
A festival favourite and a climate optimism classic. It could play well in rooms that want environmental ambition without the dread.“Nature’s Law” - Embrace
Less obvious, but emotionally rich a nod to the party’s roots, with a melodic hook that works even in smaller venues.
Scottish First Minister and SNP Leader John Swinney
“Caledonia” - Dougie MacLean
The ultimate Scottish sentimental favourite. If Swinney wants to avoid referendum fatigue while still flying the flag, this gets the tone right.“These Streets” - Paolo Nutini
A quiet anthem of civic pride well suited to a party trying to re-centre on local delivery rather than national division.
Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan
“Green, Green Grass of Home” - Tom Jones
A Welsh legend for a First Minister and Party Leader hoping to secure the Senedd at the Local Elections next year.
Your Party Co-Leaders Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana
“Fight the Power” - Public Enemy
A foundational anthem for protest politics. Lyrically uncompromising and politically sharp, very much on message.
“Common People” - Pulp
The Britpop track that bites back. Class, alienation, generational cynicism, all delivered with a singalong chorus.
