On the final evening of the Conservative conference, I strolled past a sparsely populated room where a small group was dancing to ABBA tunes. It was early, at 10:15 pm, a time usually bustling with party loyalists and corporate influencers eager to mingle with prominent Conservative figures.
However, the scene of fewer than a dozen individuals swaying to “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” highlighted the shift in dynamics. Once a powerhouse political party, the Conservatives are now struggling. Labour holds office, Reform is gaining ground, and even the Liberal Democrats are encroaching on traditional Tory strongholds.
With dismal poll numbers and lackluster conference attendance, the reality is stark for hopeful Tories. After a lengthy 14-year tenure in power, they are facing a harsh truth – no one is paying attention. Many shadow cabinet members delivered speeches to half-empty rooms.
Proposals to deport hundreds of thousands and slash £47 billion from public spending barely made a ripple, reflecting the distant prospect of Conservatives returning to power. Notably, even the usual protesters outside the conference were notably absent this time.
Rumors circulated about the emptiness of the venue, despite efforts to disguise the reduced number of stands. Nigel Farage’s presence loomed large but was scarcely acknowledged. Speculation about Kemi Badenoch’s leadership arose, yet the lack of enthusiasm hindered any decisive action.
As Andy Burnham’s ambitions backfired at the Labour conference, Robert Jenrick, the potential Tory successor, cautiously navigated the event. Badenoch opted to unveil a bold policy agenda, including mass deportations and significant spending cuts, which resonated with Conservative supporters.
Nevertheless, the party’s credibility with voters is strained, making it challenging for a Shadow Cabinet comprised of former Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, and Boris Johnson allies to offer a compelling alternative. Badenoch’s attempt to seize the moderate economic ground may not be sufficient to outshine Reform’s stance on immigration.
While she may have secured temporary support within the party, the looming challenge of the upcoming local elections in May casts doubt on the party’s future prospects. The question remains – is anyone else paying attention to the Conservatives’ message?
Lizzy Buchan, the Mirror’s Political Editor, has covered Westminster since 2017, focusing on various issues such as work, trade unions, child poverty, defense, and foreign policy. Feel free to reach out via email with any tips or insights.
