The Conservative Party’s current difficulties were underscored during a recent high tea attended by Jacob Rees-Mogg, where the festive atmosphere contrasted sharply with the party’s plummeting popularity, reports BritPanorama.
Once a dominant force in British politics, the Conservatives now face a stark reality after being ousted from 10 Downing Street due to voter discontent. Polls indicate a continued decline, with a recent survey suggesting that the party would secure only 14 seats if a general election were held today.
In contrast, Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, is projected to achieve a significant electoral gain, potentially winning a 46-seat majority. This shift poses an existential threat to the Conservatives, highlighting their risk of becoming a diminished political entity.
Reflecting on the party’s decline, Rees-Mogg identifies the removal of Boris Johnson as a pivotal misstep. “Getting rid of Boris was a catastrophic mistake, partly because it treated voters with contempt,” he stated, asserting that this decision eroded the party’s support base.
Johnson was ousted in July 2022, merely two-and-a-half years after a resounding election victory. The coup was initiated by then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who eventually succeeded Johnson as party leader. Rees-Mogg critiques Sunak’s leadership, including his increase of corporation tax and spending measures undertaken during the pandemic, which he believes were excessive.
Rees-Mogg has also commented on immigration, acknowledging that levels were too high under the last Conservative government, reaching 906,000 in 2023. He emphasizes the necessity for reform, suggesting that the party needs to recalibrate its approach to regain public trust.
Uniting the Right
As the political landscape shifts, Rees-Mogg sees an opportunity for a potential alliance between the Conservatives and Reform UK. He advocates for a “united Right” to effectively challenge the Labour Party, proposing that a collaboration between Farage and Johnson could yield a formidable electoral bloc.
“If you can unite the Right, then the Conservatives and Reform could win an enormous majority at the next election,” he remarked, although he acknowledges that current sentiments within the parties do not favor such a merger.
Rees-Mogg expresses concern about the economic state of the country, advocating for fundamental reforms to address pressing issues like soaring welfare costs. He articulates a view that the welfare system must be sustainable and not a long-term option for capable workers.
Amidst these challenges, Labour is also facing its own struggles, with Sir Keir Starmer encountering internal dissent and leadership challenges. Rees-Mogg predicts that Starmer’s tenure as Prime Minister may soon come to an end, responding to the emerging turmoil within the party.
Rees-Mogg’s prognosis for British politics suggests that significant changes may be afoot, and he positions himself as a potential agent of reform and reorganization within the Conservative Party, despite his recent electoral setback.
His commitment to “uniting the Right” reflects both an understanding of the current political reality and a desire to reinvigorate the Conservative brand in a rapidly evolving landscape.
The engagement between these factions and their respective strategies will be critical as the UK approaches its next election, with the implications of current dynamics likely to shape the political future.
