As the UK election looms, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces intense criticism from within his party, a confident Labour opposition and an increasingly indifferent general public. Here’s the full story.
Shock and Dismay
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s surprise decision to announce a snap election for July 4th has led to a wide range of reactions from within the Conservative party, none of them good, ranging from shock to dismay.
Significant Divide
The decision to call the election early, which Sunak announced in the pouring rain outside 10 Downing Street as he struggled to be heard over protesters, has led to a significant divide among Tory MPs. Some have expressed frustration, while others have accepted the decision with resigned forbearance.
“None of Us Are Ready”
A senior Tory source, speaking anonymously to the Huffington Post UK, stated, “No one sees the reason for the rush and feels like he has lost the plot. None of us are ready for this.”
20 Point Lead
This sentiment is echoed by many within the party, with many privately expressing their worry that this early election could lead to a historic defeat, given Labour’s persistent 20-point lead in the polls.
Laughing It Off
Despite the terrible optics of the election announcement, Sunak attempted to joke about it when he met with a group of veterans in his Richmond constituency.
“It Was Wet”
Asked about the rain and its possible effects on his health, Sunak replied, “It was wet. I thought, come rain or shine, it’s the right thing to do. But no pneumonia yet, my suit on the other hand … I’m not quite sure what state it will be in when I get back down to London.”
Bungled Launch
Despite his attempts to laugh off what many inside and out of his party have seen as a bungled election campaign launch, a possible cold is the least of Sunak’s worries.
Record Breaking Number
A record-breaking number of Conservative MPs, who can see the writing on the wall, have decided to step down at the next election rather than face the predicted electoral wipeout.
Stepping Down
Michael Gove and Andrea Leadsom’s recent announcements that they will be stepping down as MPs have raised significant concerns about the stability of Sunak’s leadership.
“Lost Faith”
Speaking of Michael Gove’s decision, Starmer stated, “If he has effectively lost faith in what Rishi Sunak is putting before the electorate it does beg the question as to why the voters should have faith in what Rishi Sunak is putting forward.”
“That’s Significant”
He continued, “They have effectively got off the bus, because they don’t think the bus is going anywhere. I do think that’s significant.”
Mass Exodus
The mass exodus of Conservative MPs has led to another problem for Sunak: finding candidates for the upcoming election.
Scrambling to Fill Vacancies
With 78 MPs opting not to run, the Conservatives are scrambling to fill all the vacancies in electoral battles up and down the country.
Viral Memes
In the typical sardonic nature of the Great British public, this crisis has become fodder for viral memes on social media, with a legion of posts mocking Sunak’s predicament.
Who’d Want to Be a Conservative Candidate?
The memes share a key theme: pictures of Sunak speaking to random voters or, in one case, a boat full of asylum seekers and asking them “Do you want to be a Conservative candidate?”
Precarious Position
The absurdity of the situation and the ongoing social media ridicule only exacerbate the Conservative Party’s already precarious position.
Grim Polling Picture
The polls will likely not make Sunak or his fellow Conservatives feel any better, painting as they do a grim picture for both.
29% to 46%
Polling data from the More in Common think-tank, which Huffington Post UK reporters saw, reveals that only 29% of voters view Sunak as an asset to his party, compared to 46% who do not.
“Questions Remain”
More in Common’s Jenna Cunningham stated, “There’s no doubt that Rishi Sunak was a popular Chancellor, especially after the furlough scheme, but questions remain about the effectiveness of the current presidential campaign strategy when only three in ten voters think he is an asset to the Conservative Party.”
Stability and Sound Financial Management
In contrast to Sunak’s perceived loss of control, Labour’s campaign under Starmer emphasises stability and sound financial management.
“Sound Money”
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves has promised a Thatcher-style commitment to “sound money,” aiming to reassure Conservative voters of Labour’s economic competence. However, this comparison to Thatcher, hated by many on the left, has upset many Labour supporters.
Frustrated and Exhausted
As the election date draws nearer, the battle to win the hearts, minds and, most importantly, votes of a nation which has grown increasingly frustrated and exhausted with politics is underway.
Sinking Ship
As the Conservative party grapples with internal divisions, a candidate crisis, and an increasingly uphill battle against a resurgent Labour Party, it remains to be seen if Sunak has the will or the capability to save his rapidly sinking electoral ship.
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The post Under Fire: Sunak’s Getting It From All Angles as Election Draws Closer 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.