Former prime minister David Cameron once described himself as a «modern, compassionate Conservative».
That was in 2011, in an interview during the party’s annual conference in Manchester, the early years of the coalition.
«Cameronism» – or «Cameroonism», you take your pick – became the self-defined lens of conservatism that Cameron used during his six years in Number 10. Austerity, combined with policy to appeal to social liberals, such as equal marriage, and environmental «responsibility – to the next generation».
Fourteen years on from that interview, «Badenochism» has yet to truly define itself, but it’s fair to say that the Conservatives of 2010 are different to those of 2025.
The party has shifted further to the right in recent years, with some jumping ship to join Reform UK. Both parties are now fighting for the soul of the British right.
This got Electoral Dysfunction listener Sean thinking – he sent in a question about whether defectors would be welcomed back to the Conservatives in the future. Co-host Ruth Davidson, who previously was leader of the Scottish Conservatives in Holyrood, had plenty of thoughts.
Ruth says…
The kind of conservatism that I represent, I think, is very far from Reform.
There are some people within the Conservative Party that see almost the Conservative-Reform spectrum as a continuum, and that actually one bleeds into the other, and there may even be a bit of crossover in it.
I don’t see it like that.
I find what’s alarming [is] the journey from a Conservative Party Conference where you had David Cameron as leader, you had Justine Greening, you had Greg Clarke, you had Dominic Grieve, William Hague, you had all of these people, you had a really broad tent.
You had people like Liam Fox that were representing the right of the party.
The Conservatives are being ‘outflanked’ on the right, Ruth says
The idea that we’ve gone from such a broad church to now fighting on such a small patch of ground over immigration.
The attack that Kemi’s getting from within the party, he would say that he’s trying to be supportive, but in terms of the challenge she’s getting within from Robert Jenrick, it’s all on this really narrow patch of land.
If you look at the broad swathes of policy that’s out there that affects people in economics, in business, in social care, in public services, in education, in opportunities for young people, we could fight on any ground and the fights that we’re choosing to have right now are on this really, really narrow path of ground.
We’re being outflanked on the right and we’re drifting ever further towards there. As a believer in «big tent» conservatism, it saddens me to see the current state of the Conservative Party. Former Prime Minister David Cameron once embodied a «modern, compassionate Conservative» ideology, but the party has shifted further to the right in recent years. This shift has led to conflicts within the party and a narrowing of focus on certain issues like immigration. The broad church that once existed within the party has been replaced by a smaller, more polarized landscape where the Conservatives are being outflanked on the right. This departure from a more inclusive approach to governance is concerning, as there are many important policy areas where the party could focus its efforts instead. It’s time to reconsider the direction the party is heading in and embrace a more diverse and inclusive conservative vision. As a believer in «big tent» conservatism, it saddens me to see the current state of political affairs. When a party is facing threats and shrinking rather than expanding, the tendency is to focus on energizing the base rather than reaching out to potential new supporters. This shift in focus can lead to a disconnect with voters who may have previously supported other parties.
Within the Conservative Party, there are groups like the Conservative Environment Network and LGBT+ Conservatives that represent more centrist views within the party. However, these groups often struggle with balancing their loyalty to the party with their own beliefs, especially when the party’s platform does not align with their values.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron’s «modern, compassionate Conservative» ideology has evolved over the years, with the party moving further to the right. This shift has led to internal conflicts and debates over the direction of conservatism in the UK, with parties like Reform UK challenging the traditional Conservative stance.
The question of whether defectors will be welcomed back into the Conservative Party in the future is a pertinent one, reflecting the broader debate within the party about its identity and principles. As the Conservatives navigate these challenges, it is essential to consider how best to appeal to a diverse range of voters while staying true to their core values.
In an increasingly polarized political landscape, the concept of «big tent» conservatism – a broad and inclusive approach that welcomes a wide range of viewpoints – is more important than ever. Finding common ground and uniting different factions within the party will be crucial in maintaining a strong and cohesive conservative movement in the UK.
As we look to the future of conservatism in the UK, it is essential to embrace diversity of thought and ensure that all voices are heard within the party. By fostering a culture of openness and inclusivity, the Conservative Party can strengthen its position and appeal to a broader base of supporters. Only by embracing the principles of «big tent» conservatism can the party navigate the challenges ahead and build a strong and united conservative movement for the future. Co-host Ruth Davidson, formerly the leader of the Scottish Conservatives in Holyrood, shared her thoughts.
«The kind of conservatism that I represent is very different from Reform,» she said. «Some people within the Conservative Party see the Conservative-Reform spectrum as a continuum, but I don’t see it that way.»
Davidson expressed concern about the shift in the Conservative Party from a broad tent approach to focusing on narrow issues like immigration. She lamented the party’s move towards the right and emphasized the importance of «big tent» conservatism.
«When your party is under threat, you talk to your base to rally support, but you also need to reach out to voters from other parties,» she explained.
Overall, Davidson highlighted the challenges faced by groups within the party who hold more center-right views and emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s beliefs while supporting the party.
«Electoral Dysfunction» brings together political experts Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, and Harriet Harman to provide insightful analysis of Westminster and beyond. To ask a question, contact them via email or WhatsApp.
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