Conservative Party Faces Uphill Battle Amidst Internal Struggles and Public Discontent

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
02/07/2024 23h11

The Conservative Party in Britain is currently grappling with a series of challenges that threaten to weaken their standing and redefine their future. From a botched attempt at a snap election to internal leadership disputes and a lack of public support, the road ahead looks challenging for the party.

The roots of the Conservative Party's woes can be traced back to the failed "snap" general election called by former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2017. This move not only cost the party seats but also jeopardized their majority in the House of Commons. Subsequently, the contentious question of Brexit, with opposition parties and some Conservatives attempting to nullify the effects of the 2016 referendum, led to two years of legislative gridlock.

Following May's resignation, Boris Johnson was chosen as her replacement, and he successfully secured a healthy majority in a snap election held in late 2019. Johnson's main promise of "Getting Brexit Done" resonated with traditional Labour supporters who were in favor of Brexit and disillusioned with the party's leftward shift under Jeremy Corbyn.

However, while Johnson managed to fulfill his Brexit pledge, the question of "Now what?" emerged. His platform, which included high taxes and redistributionist spending, contradicted the principles of small government cherished by many Conservatives. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, with Johnson implementing strict lockdown measures and massive government spending.

These actions led to internal strife within the party, culminating in a case of regicide when Johnson was challenged due to violating lockdown protocols and allegedly misleading Parliament. Subsequently, Liz Truss was also forced out as Johnson's successor, with Rishi Sunak assuming the role of Prime Minister.

The party's challenges extended beyond leadership disputes. The Conservatives have failed to address surging migration, with Sunak's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda stuck due to court delays. Nigel Farage's Reform UK has capitalized on this issue, attacking the Conservatives from the right.

During the election campaign, the party faced several setbacks, including controversy surrounding Conservative officials placing bets on the election date using insider information. These scandals, coupled with a perceived disregard for rules, have eroded public trust in the party.

With the general election impending, Conservative party members may lose their say in selecting the next Tory leader, as discussions are underway to dilute their voting power following criticism over the selection of Liz Truss in 2022.

As Keir Starmer and Labour gain momentum, and Farage continues to challenge the Conservatives on key issues, the party finds itself squeezed from both sides. Forecasts predict a decisive victory for Labour, leaving the Conservatives in the political wilderness and necessitating a period of soul-searching and redefinition.

As their public support hits all-time lows, the Conservatives must prioritize listening to voters, addressing concerns regarding taxes, spending, and immigration, and offering heartfelt apologies for their perceived disconnect from the electorate. The road to redemption will be a long and challenging one, and the party must endeavor to rebuild public trust and redefine their identity to regain political prominence.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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