Tory leadership fight fantasy vs fantasy
Boris Johnson was the answer, now the question is who replaces him. Boris’s administration suffered various external shocks and was rocked by scandals. An opportunity was wasted to reshape Britain in Boris’s image. Elected on a vague promise, unable to make decisions. Shocks combined with poor judgement burned away any capital. Sexual assault allegations against a deputy whip, Boris doubled down pledging support. Minsters resigned in protest, causing the downfall. Ended the same way it started, a chaotic political mess.
Eight candidates want the job of prime minister. Against the backdrop of strong economic headwinds, a poisoned chalice for whoever takes over. Recovery in disposable incomes is unlikely before any election. A toxic mix of inflation, public service backlog and chaotic governance.
- Rishi Sunak
- Penny Mordaunt
- Tom Tugendhat
- Liz Truss
- Suella Braverman
- Jeremy Hunt
- Kemi Badenoch
- Nadhim Zahawi
Sunak’s pitch is traditional conservativism focused on fiscal discipline and competence. Reluctance to provide support during a cost-of-living crisis. Sunak was in charge of the economy; his pragmatism was limited. Show himself to be rather naive, making obvious mistakes. Old school conservativism but unwilling to answer problems ahead.
Mordaunt is heir to Boris, whatever that platform was. Reactionary conservativism is relaxed about certain things but wants to reshape the world. Her problem is being naive, similar to Boris making mistakes. A chameleon that changes all the time, can she make unpopular choices we don’t know. Liar at heart she say anything and double down.
Tugendhat’s pitch return to one nation, a clean break from the past 3 years. Bit of everything, modern caring touch. Mix of small C social liberal but near the centre.
Truss heir to thatcherism, unable to grasp what that looks like. Rose tinted glasses view of Thatcher has created by accident a caricature.
Braverman stereotype Tory, caricature of the party.
Hunt small C one nation Tory, broke the NHS and now wants to fix it. Trying to appeal to couple different groups.
Badenoch honest Tory who small C but taking a traditional view on things.
Zahawi promise everything to everybody, another traditional Tory.
What question is the party membership trying to answer. Based on the candidates, sense of complacency and lack of desire to tackle the problems. No real debate about inflation or energy prices, just fantasy against fantasy.
UK faces a long period of stagnation, both political and economic. Internal party politics have caused brexit, threat of a trade war is still high. Uncertain world older homeowners and retired have avoided the shocks. Party has been ruthless in protecting the old at the cost of the young. Stable bedrock of homeowners who benefit from stagnation. Tories have little to no reason to reform the system. Older homeowners have benefited from this system. Party has stored up future problems and expects the old to vote Tory forever.
Danger is creating poor Tory voters with wealth concentrated to the few. Many ways the Tory party is returning back to the past, party of rent seekers.