The recent YouGov poll has revealed some alarming sentiments within the Conservative party, indicating a desire among members to see leader Kemi Badenoch replaced and for a potential alliance with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. These findings have only reinforced the concerns expressed by disheartened MPs to Sky News in Manchester.
One MP, facing a significant decrease in their majority from nearly 18,000 to less than 1,500, emphasized the necessity of a collaboration with Reform UK to prevent Labour from securing power in the next general election with the backing of the Liberal Democrats, nationalists, and Greens. Another seasoned MP warned of a potential wipeout for the Tories in Essex, a former stronghold, where Reform UK made significant gains last year, potentially endangering seats like Ms. Badenoch’s North West Essex.
The call for leadership change has been echoed by MPs and activists in Manchester, with strong support for Robert Jenrick to succeed Ms. Badenoch as leader due to his openness to a partnership with Reform UK. This stance has put him at odds with the current Tory leader, who has consistently rejected the idea of aligning with Mr. Farage to combat Labour.
Senior figures like former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg have also advocated for cooperation between the Conservatives and Reform UK, citing common ground on key policies as a reason to work together. The looming threat posed by Reform UK in Essex, where the Tories previously held all seats with substantial majorities, now faces a potential reversal due to the rising popularity of Farage’s party.
An electoral wipeout in Essex would not only jeopardize Ms. Badenoch’s seat but also endanger other prominent Conservative figures like Sir James Cleverly, Dame Priti Patel, and Sir Bernard Jenkin. Despite the somber mood surrounding the party, a message of optimism was delivered by Bob Blackman, the chairman of the ’22, who drew parallels to Margaret Thatcher’s initial struggles as party leader before her eventual triumph in the 1979 general election.
The current political landscape within the Conservative party reflects a complex interplay of internal dynamics and external threats, underscoring the need for strategic decisions and unity to navigate the challenges ahead.
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