Britain’s Tories Face Potential Defeat, Policies Fall Short Of ‘Conservative’
As Britons prepare to go to the polls for the first general election since December 2019, the ruling Conservative Party is facing a likely defeat. Analysts predict a severe loss for the Tories, attributed to their deviation from traditional conservative values.
The Conservative Party has been in power since David Cameron’s election victory in 2010. Historically, long-term governments tend to lose support as voters grow tired of their policies and leadership. However, the anticipated scale of the Conservative Party’s defeat suggests deeper issues within the party.
A June poll indicated that only 42% of those who voted Conservative in 2019 would do so again. This sharp decline in support is unprecedented, especially when compared to U.S. President Joe Biden’s voter base, which remains more stable despite recent criticisms.
The roots of the Tories’ current predicament can be traced back to Theresa May’s failed attempt at a snap election in 2017, which weakened the party’s majority and led to prolonged debates over Brexit. Boris Johnson succeeded May and secured a significant majority in the 2019 election with his promise to “Get Brexit Done.” However, Johnson’s broader policy platform, which included high taxes and substantial government spending, alienated core conservative supporters.
Johnson’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, marked by strict lockdowns and increased government expenditure, further strained his relationship with conservative voters. His eventual ousting, followed by the brief tenure of Liz Truss, who was replaced by Rishi Sunak amid financial turmoil, compounded the party’s instability.
Sunak, a former Goldman Sachs employee with significant personal wealth, has struggled to connect with working-class voters. His claims that inflation is “back to normal” have been criticized as out of touch, as many people continue to face rising living costs.
The Conservative Party has also failed to address surging migration effectively. While Sunak proposed sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, legal challenges have stalled the plan, allowing parties like Reform UK to criticize the Tories from the right.
Recent scandals, including “Gamblegate” and “Partygate,” have further damaged the party’s reputation. Sunak’s soaked appearance during his election announcement speech has become symbolic of the party’s declining fortunes.
With Labour leader Keir Starmer expected to win a decisive majority, the Conservatives may face a prolonged period of reflection and redefinition. There are discussions within the party about changing the rules for selecting leaders, which could further alienate grassroots members.
For the Conservatives to regain public trust, they need to reconnect with voters, address key issues like taxes, spending, and immigration, and acknowledge past mistakes. Ignoring public sentiment at this critical juncture could lead to an extended period of political exile.
