MANCHESTER, England (AP) — The British Conservative Party, once proud of being the most successful political party globally, finds itself in a diminished position.
The center-right party, which led the U.K. for over 60 of the past 100 years before being ousted in 2024, is now adopting Donald Trump-style policies, including aggressive deportations and significant cuts to government budgets, as it struggles to regain its footing.
Facing challenges from both a left-leaning Labour government and the right-wing Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, the Tories have struggled, losing ground in local elections and seeing defections from their ranks. In a recent acknowledgment, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch recognized the significant challenge in winning back voters.
A Diminished Presence
During the party’s annual conference at Manchester Central, delegate attendance was sparse, a clear indication of the party’s current struggles. “We recognize that we’re not in a great position,” admitted Neil McCarthy, a member from northern England, stressing the need for passion and a clear message of change.
The Conservative Party has faced ongoing turmoil, with some issues self-inflicted amidst global economic and geopolitical tensions. The anticipated economic benefits from the 2020 exit from the EU have remained elusive. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s significant electoral victory in 2019 was followed by his removal in 2022 due to various ethics scandals.
His successor, Liz Truss, implemented a poorly received tax-cutting strategy, leading to soaring inflation and interest rates and damaging the Conservatives’ economic credibility. Under Rishi Sunak, the party continued towards a historically poor electoral outcome in July 2024.
Challenges Ahead
While the government is not obliged to call elections until 2029, Badenoch’s unfavorable polling and lack of performance have raised speculation regarding her leadership’s future. Opposition leader Keir Starmer faces similar unrest in the Labour Party due to the disruptive influence of Reform UK.
Conservative lawmaker Robert Jenrick, who lost to Badenoch in the 2024 leadership race, has gained attention through social media, becoming a vocal advocate against immigration. He noted the need for a more dynamic party to regain public support, while also hinting at potential future leadership aspirations, a notion Badenoch opposes.
Revisiting Thatcher’s Legacy
As uncertainties loom, many Conservatives look back fondly at the 1980s, during Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s era of transformative free-market policies. The conference showcased cardboard cutouts of Thatcher and promoted her biography alongside themed events celebrating her legacy.
David Davis, a long-serving Conservative lawmaker, expressed optimism for Badenoch, suggesting she could revive the party similarly to how Thatcher did during challenging times. There is a belief that another crisis may position Badenoch as the ideal leader for the party’s resurgence.
