As the Tories face a potential electoral drubbing, backstage power plays and an ideological tug-of-war have emerged within the party. The Popular Conservative movement is scheming to reshape the leadership post-election. Here’s the full story.
Biblical Wipeout
With the upcoming local elections in May, the Conservatives are looking at a wipeout of biblical proportions if the polls are to be believed.
Increasingly Twitchy
As the local elections draw nearer, and with the as-yet-unannounced general election following shortly after, Conservatives are getting increasingly twitchy about losing power in such a historic wipeout.
Electoral Decimation
As the prospect of electoral decimation looms, the Conservative Party’s hydra of factions is rife with internal machinations. Different factions vie for power in the post-election wasteland.
The Edge of Ruin
Recently, one of the ascendant factions, the increasingly powerful Conservative right wing, has concocted a plot to install a leader who takes after the deposed Liz Truss, who was ousted after her libertarian policies brought the country to the edge of ruin.
Shift to the Right
This move would signal a shift further to the right in opposition, as the plotters believe Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s more centre-right policies have led the party over the precipice.
Popular Conservative Movement
The scheme to install a new leader has been spearheaded by the so-called Popular Conservative (PopCons) movement, which will attempt to reshape the party’s trajectory and ideology following what is widely expected to be an electoral bloodbath.
Free-Market Libertarians
The PopCons faction, whose inception began with a supportive speech from Truss, advocates for its free-market libertarian faction to become the Conservative party’s de facto ideology.
Leadership Contest
Led by former Institute for Economic Affairs director Mark Littlewood, the group aims to solidify its hold over the party by electing a leader who shares its political beliefs in the event of a leadership contest following the election.
Electoral Meltdown
As polls continue to predict electoral meltdown for the Conservatives at the next election, potential leadership contenders are already beginning manoeuvres behind the scenes.
“There’s a War Going On”
Priti Patel, who has twice been found in breach of the ministerial code over backroom deals with Israel and accusations of bullying, has emerged as the preferred candidate among PopCons. Sources close to the MP told The Times, “There’s a war going on, and we’re going to win it. We need to reinvigorate the free market perspective within the Conservative party.”
“Priti’s Leadership Bid”
Another source told the paper, “Team Liz are comfortable with PopCon being in part an apparatus for Priti’s leadership bid. She’s Liz’s preferred candidate, no doubt.”
Rise to Prominence
With Rishi Sunak’s possible resignation after the election, Patel is positioned as a prominent figure for the party’s right-wing faction.
Urging Caution
However, some voices within the party urge caution against a pronounced shift to the right following the widely expected electoral defeat.
Lessons Not Learned
One unnamed source told the Independent that a drift further to the right would see the party repeating past mistakes, signalling a “failure to learn the lesson of 1997.”
Failure to Connect
In 1997, under the leadership of William Hague, the Conservatives shifted rightward. This was well received by the Conservative base but failed to connect with the prevailing mood in the country at the time.
Alienating the Electorate
Critics warn against alienating the broader electorate to appease core supporters, a potential mix of factors they claim would send the party into a “doom spiral.”
“Doom Spiral”
With the disastrous tenure of Hague’s leadership serving as a cautionary tale, some within the Conservative party have criticised the PopCon’s current plans for the party.
Factional Infighting
However, the Conservative party is so riven by factionalism that, often, such voices cannot be heard over the much louder pronouncements of the right wing of the party, which has considerable support from the country’s right-wing newspapers.
Speculation Abounds
Amidst the internal maneuvering, Conservative plotting is taking place in full public view, and speculation abounds regarding potential challengers and contenders for leadership positions.
Alliances Formed, Alliances Broken
While figures like Grant Shapps, Penny Mordaunt, Suella Braverman, and Robert Jenrick are touted as possible candidates, the field remains fluid. Alliances form and break almost as fast as they can be made.
Conservative Soul
Despite ruling out her bid for leadership, Liz Truss remains a central figure in the battle for the Conservative Party’s soul.
Disastrous Stance
Her alignment with PopCons and advocacy for her seemingly disastrous libertarian stance continue to influence party dynamics and alliances.
“Lack of Political Support”
For her part, Truss has attempted a robust defence of her calamitous time as Prime Minister by stating that she was “not given a realistic chance to enact my policies by a very powerful economic establishment, coupled with a lack of political support.”
Knives Drawn
As the Conservative Party stares at its potential unedifying defeat in the face, knives are being drawn for the current leader as new contenders struggle to be the ones who lead the Conservative Party out of its current political malaise.
Lasting Impact
Whether the party continues its swing to the right or takes a more Cameroonian turn for the centre remains to be seen, but the consequences of the decision will have a lasting impact on the party’s electoral viability in the future.
25 Things You CAN’T Talk About Anymore
Remember the days when you could freely discuss just about anything without fear of sparking controversy? Well, those days are long gone. In today’s hyper-sensitive world, there are topics so fraught with tension that even mentioning them can lead to heated debates and hurt feelings. 25 Things You CAN’T Talk About Anymore
Stranded: 15 Worst British Cars in History
Ever had a car that spent more time with the mechanic than on the road? A car that turned every journey into a game of “Will we actually get there?” If so, you might just see a familiar face (or should we say, chassis) in our countdown to the most unreliable British car in history. Stranded: 15 Worst British Cars in History
“Britain Will Become Unrecognizable” – Suella Braverman Spells Disaster for UK Amid Steep Rise in Visas Issued
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has warned that Britain will become “unrecognizable,” criticizing the amount of work visas the Home Office has approved, despite only being removed from her role in November. “Britain Will Become Unrecognizable” – Suella Braverman Spells Disaster for UK Amid Steep Rise in Visas Issued
20 Things From the ‘70s That Are Not OK Today
Step into the time machine and set the dial to the 1970s, a decade of disco, bell-bottoms, and some rather questionable choices. While the ’70s gave us iconic music and groundbreaking TV, not everything from this groovy era would get a green light today. 20 Things From the ‘70s That Are Not OK Today
20 Best and Worst Universities in the UK
Navigating the UK university landscape is like deciphering a complex code of rankings, reviews, and reputations to uncover where you’ll not just learn, but truly flourish. Whether you’re drawn to the historic halls of Oxford or the creative buzz of Goldsmiths, finding your perfect fit is about aligning your aspirations with the unique offerings of each institution. 20 Best and Worst Universities in the UK
The post Tory Turmoil as Backstage Power Struggles and Ideological Battles Threaten to Upend Party Future first appeared on Edge Media.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / WD Stock Photos.
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.