Despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s unwavering confidence in the face of a widely anticipated electoral defeat, his own candidates’ reluctance to align with him suggests all is not well in the Conservative Party. Here’s the full story.
Damned if You Do, Damned if You Don’t
With the clocks ticking down to the general election, a recent analysis of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s campaigning has suggested that the Conservative leader might be in trouble, not for what he has done, but for what he hasn’t.
Notably Absent
The analysis by the campaign group Best for Britain has revealed that the Prime Minister has been notably absent from many constituencies where high-profile Conservatives are at risk of losing their seats. Out of 45 such constituencies, Sunak has only visited five.
Tarnished
This selective approach to campaigning in the face of an electoral bloodbath has led to rampant speculation about the reasons behind Sunak’s strange choice. The Daily Mail reports that some Conservative candidates have rejected offers for Sunak to campaign with them, as they fear being tarnished with the brush of failure that seemingly follows him everywhere.
Distancing From Sunak
This trend of distancing from Sunak is not new. During the recent mayoral campaigns, Ben Houchen, who was re-elected as Tees Valley mayor, did not mention Sunak or the Conservatives in his victory speech, and other mayors deliberately avoided any association with the Tories.
Allies Back Away
The stench of defeat is so great that even Sunak’s once close allies, such as Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, appear to be distancing themselves. On Shapps’ campaign materials, Sunak, or even any sign of the Conservative Party’s branding, is notable for their absence.
High-Profile Conservatives at Risk
Other high-profile Conservatives who could be looking for a new job come Friday include Jacob Rees-Mogg, Welsh Secretary David Davies, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer and the UK’s shortest-serving Prime Minister Liz Truss.
Writing on the Wall
The reluctance of Conservative candidates to be pictured with Sunak suggests that many Conservatives have seen the writing on the wall. Naomi Smith, chief executive of Best for Britain, told the Huffington Post, “Sunak’s problem is that even his party doesn’t want him around, let alone the public.”
Clean Break Needed
She added, “We need a clean break from him, his party and the damage they have caused over the past 14 years, and the best way voters can ensure the Tories are locked out of power for at least a decade is by voting tactically.”
Advocating Tactical Voting
Best for Britain has advocated for tactical voting through its website, GetVoting.org, which aims to inform voters how to prevent the Conservatives’ return to power and prevent Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, from gaining power.
Sunak Stays Upbeat
Despite consistent polling showing that Labour is on course for a historic victory and the news that his candidates might not want to be seen with him, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has tried to remain upbeat.
“Absolutely Not”
In a recent interview with the BBC, Sunak reiterated “absolutely not” given up on the election, despite the Conservative’s campaign messaging seemingly admitting defeat by warning of a Labour “supermajority.”
Danger of Labour Government
Sunak stated, “I don’t want anyone to sleepwalk into Thursday [polling day] because there is a danger of a Labour government that I want people to be alive to.”
Acknowledging Challenges
In the same interview, Sunak acknowledged his party’s many challenges and admitted they had not “got everything right.”
Vote for the Future
Sunak stated, “I get that people have frustrations with me, with our party. Of course we haven’t got everything right. But Thursday’s vote isn’t a by-election, it’s a choice about the future of our country.”
Consistent Messaging
Despite the uncertainties and challenges, Sunak has remained remarkably consistent in his messaging ahead of the general election, despite the many gaffes and scandals which have afflicted his party.
Will Stay as MP
Sunak claimed he would stay on as an MP following the election. However, when asked if he intended to stay on as Conservative leader, Sunak replied that his primary focus, for now, was the general election campaign.
Love for the Party
Sunak stated, “I love this party dearly and of course I’ll always put myself at the service of it and the service of my country.”
“Extinction Level Event”
However, with the election just around the corner and many Conservatives desperate not to be associated with Sunak, it is unclear if Sunak will be allowed to stay as leader. Conservatives historically have not taken kindly to leaders who have lost their party an election, and this election has come with warnings of an “extinction-level event” for the Conservatives.
Uncertain Future
As the public prepares to cast their votes, the future of the UK remains uncertain. Similarly, whether Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will stay as leader of the Conservative Party the day after polling day remains to be seen.
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The post Tories Have Lost Faith, Yet Sunak Insists He’s Still in the Game first appeared on Edge Media.
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Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.