Another week in politics, another political earthquake. Last night’s result was a disaster for the Conservatives and almost entirely self-inflicted. A terrible campaign with no arguments made for why we deserve to be re-elected. It simply confirms the damage of Brexit. Conservatives created the referendum in the first place causing chaos and then responded tactically with demands for a hard departure from the EU. No wonder the ‘strong and stable’ mantra wasn’t enough and we are ironically left with a weak government and even more economic uncertainty. Despite the best of intentions in sorting out the mess her Party bequeathed her, for Theresa May it might be a fatal blow as the backlash of running a thin, personalised campaign overwhelms her.
As for Labour, a begrudging well done Corbyn for it is he alone who carried the campaign supported by a highly nimble campaigning team (I am not talking about his front bench…). But a 40% share of the vote for pure socialism is alarming and confirmation that there is little understanding of the country’s indebtedness. Austerity may well be dead for now until the next economic crisis. As for young voters, they can’t complain their votes are wasted. Tuition fees helped bring down the Lib Dems, ended Nick Clegg’s parliamentary career and now with a 70% plus turnout almost brought Labour victory. Quite an impact.
So what lies ahead. Well there are two silver linings. The SNP’s case for a second referendum was soundly defeated and must now be on the back burner. R.I.P. Alex Salmond. Second, a softer Brexit is now also far more likely, let alone the possibility of another vote on the terms of departure, which is the first good news on Europe in a long time.
As for the Conservative Party…. it is simply too disliked. The rebranding started half heartedly (and cynically) by Cameron but never finished must begin again but differently. It is time for moderate, centre-left Conservatives to re-assert themselves and bring out the softer side of a Party made up of many good people. There are interesting times ahead…..
Inside Right Politics 