At the recent Conservative Party conference, leader Kemi Badenoch and shadow chancellor Mel Stride delivered speeches that resonated with conviction but lacked depth. Stride outlined a proposal for £47 billion in savings through welfare cuts and business rebates, which some observers consider unrealistic given current polling data. The Conservative Party is reportedly at a pivotal point, with polls suggesting they could rank fourth in a hypothetical election, marking a significant decline from historical performance.
This situation has been described as a product of the party’s ongoing struggle since David Cameron’s tenure to align the benefits of globalization with its drawbacks. Cameron’s approach combined elements of social and economic liberalism but has been criticized for overlooking the social consequences of modernization. Jean Pisani-Ferry, a notable European thinker, argues that mainstream centrism has underestimated the social and regional impacts of governmental decisions. The events of the 2008 financial crisis and Brexit have intensified this disconnect, highlighting the disparities felt by various regions.
The successive Conservative leaders, including Theresa May and Boris Johnson, have attempted to navigate this landscape with varying strategies, often focusing on rhetoric rather than substantive policy. Rishi Sunak’s leadership has exhibited a calm demeanor but has been criticized for lacking a clear direction.
Badenoch’s recent policy proposals include a controversial immigration initiative that aims to deport 150,000 individuals annually. Critics raise questions about the practical implementation of such plans, including the logistics of deportations and the strain on existing institutions. The dialogue around this initiative reflects broader tensions within the party, as it seeks to address issues that have historical roots while contending with contemporary challenges.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/oct/06/the-guardian-view-on-the-tory-conference-historys-revenge-on-conservatism