Amidst record-low approval ratings and internal dissent, Tory rebels have unveiled a 100-day policy blitz strategy to counter potential election setbacks while Labour seizes the opportunity to bolster its stance on healthcare. Here’s the full story.
Upcoming Elections
As the UK braces itself for the upcoming local elections, in which the Conservatives are preparing for historic losses, the factions within the Conservative party are battling it out again for dominance.
“100-Day Policy Blitz”
With Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s ratings in the toilet and a host of as yet unsolved problems plaguing the country, some within the Conservative party are leaking a bold plan they have devised, dubbed the “100-day policy blitz” to address what they, and the public, see as the party’s many failings in government.
New Leader
This strategic decision comes as rumours of Sunak’s deposition continue to slip past the lips of many unhappy Conservatives who’d rather see a new leader take them into the election, which is still expected in the autumn.
“Working Assumption”
Despite Sunak saying that it was his “working assumption” that the election would still fall in the second half of the year, in an unusually bad-tempered interview with Trevor Phillips on Sky News, Sunak refused multiple times to rule out a July election.
July Election Rumours
However, unhappy Conservative rebels insist that the rumours of a July election are nothing more than a ploy by Number 10 to keep potential troublemakers in line.
Deep Unhappiness
The recent defection of former Conservative health minister Dr Dan Poulter to Labour underscores the deep unhappiness within the Conservative Party.
“The Only Cure”
As a part-time mental health doctor, Dr Poulter blamed his defection on the Conservative’s terrible record on the NHS and told the Observer, “The only cure [for the struggling NHS] is a Labour government.”
-59 Points
Faced with defections, rising resentment and Sunak’s terrible satisfaction rating with the public, which, according to a recent Ipsos poll, had fallen to -59 points, Conservative rebels are advocating for a decisive shift in policy direction.
“Tinkering, Dithering and Managerialism”
The right-wing faction within the Conservative party is advocating the party shift rightward with a five-point policy plan that will end what one unnamed Conservative source called Sunak’s “tinkering, dithering, and managerialism.”
10-12% Pay Offer
The proposed plan includes a raft of right-wing dream measures, including resolving the junior doctors’ pay dispute with a 10-12% offer, considerably less than the 35% the doctors advocate for.
Immigration Controls
The plan also includes a further tightening of immigration controls, including a cap on the number of international students allowed to stay in the UK.
Right-Wing Red Meat
The other three points are the usual right-wing red meat: increasing defence spending, implementing stricter penalties for repeat offenders alongside building more jails, and further cuts to the benefits bill, including ending personal independence payments (PIP) for those with mental health disorders.
“Clear and Bold”
One unnamed Conservative source, who leaked to the Guardian, told the paper, “These are policies that can be introduced in a few months and then go to the country for people to make a decision. We’ve got to be clear and bold in our plan, and with the right messenger, to have any chance of winning otherwise it could be two or three terms of Labour.”
Conservative Panic
The panic within the Conservative party cannot be understated for a Conservative source to leak to one of the UK’s few liberal papers.
Seizing the Moment
Meanwhile, the Labour Party, buoyed by Poulter’s defection, is seizing the moment to bolster its stance on healthcare and mental health services, in strong contrast to the Conservative’s plans to cut benefits for those with depression or anxiety.
“Lives on Hold”
Starmer stated, “I will not sit on my hands while tens of thousands of people have their lives on hold and ambition curtailed while they languish on mental health waiting lists.”
“Rebuilding Public Services”
He continued, “We are mission focused on rebuilding public services and it’s fantastic that Dr Dan Poulter MP has joined us. It’s time to end the chaos, turn the page, and get Britain’s future back.”
Closing Tax Loopholes
Labour has pledged to use money raised from closing tax loopholes to boost spending on mental health support for the most in need.
No Date Set
As the election draws nearer, though no precise date has been set yet, Conservative rebels appear to be becoming increasingly concerned that the party will finally lose its 14-year grip on power.
Uncertain Future
What this means for the future trajectory of the Conservative Party should it lose the upcoming election as badly as expected, however, remains to be seen.
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The post Tory Rebels Unveil Drastic ‘Blitz’ Measures as Labour Gains Ground 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.