Keir Starmer’s speechwriters experienced mixed emotions at last week’s Cabinet away day.They had prepared a carefully-crafted message for the prime minister to deliver to his senior ministers as he welcomed them to Chequers.But the PM surprised – and impressed – them by not using the words they had prepared for him, choosing instead to make a “freeforming”, 20-minute speech setting out his thoughts on Labour’s first year in power and where he believes his government needs to go next.“It was very good,” said one of those present. “He spoke from the heart about whose side we’re on. You could feel in the room that it went down well.”Lucy Powell, leader of the House of Commons, told Starmer: “Your speechwriters are great, but it’s better when you speak from the heart.”The PM told the assembled gathering that while Labour had undoubtedly made mistakes since last year’s landslide election win, they had also done things like introducing free school meals, breakfast clubs and 4.5 million NHS appointments.“He said lots of people in Westminster won’t appreciate how those policies make a massive difference to ordinary people across the country,” said one eyewitness.“After a year in government, he said he realised that the Tories get 96% of things wrong and focus on the 4% of things they get right, whereas Labour gets 96% of things right but agonise over the 4% we get wrong.“