We all know it is probably too late. The increasingly impressive Rishi Sunak has taken over a tired, divided Party and tried to give it some shape. Competent economic management, stronger international relations, a better deal with the EU over Northern Ireland are all laudable. But after 14 years many of the initiatives are simply about undoing the errors of previous Tory administrations. Against this backdrop, the desire for change, albeit with relatively tepid support for Starmer and his Labour Party, is too great.
A chance to demonstrate a break with the past…
One other factor drives down support for the Tories; a palpable sense of corruption. Dodgy peerages, dodgy donations, dodgy appointments, some unsavoury people hanging around the Party’s fringe. There is a sense of entitlement where one rule applies to ‘little people’ and another for those in power. This perhaps drives a belief that the Tories’ time is up more than anything. It is certainly not solely economics or the state of public services because few voters currently think Labour would be much better.
So it is really important that Sunak demonstrates new integrity in his government and a break with the past and that is why the last few days have been so helpful.
Johnson has gone and, make no mistake, will not return either this side or the other of a general election. Seen off by the Privileges Committee (note, a majority of Tory Party MPs overseeing its deliberations) and his resignation honours list, he has gone blustering into the night. He represents a shameful episode in the country’s governance and the Tory Party’s judgement of appointing him in the first place. Undoubtedly talented, he never had the moral compass to be successful as PM.
Sunak’s row with him has gone public and that allows Sunak to demonstrate a fresh start. It allows him to restore the principles of good government and that will provide the opportunity for the electorate to take a second look if the Tory Party can show discipline under his leadership.
After the past week, Sunak only has to sort out high inflation, negligible economic growth, rising debt, rising NHS waiting lists and a flotilla of small boats, and he is in with a chance…
Inside Right Politics 