The race for the Tory leadership has taken a sharp rightward turn as candidates vie for support from the party faithful. At the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Robert Jenrick, Tom Tugendhat, Kemi Badenoch, and James Cleverly have all made moves to appeal to the more conservative elements within the party.
Shift to the Right
The four candidates have abandoned the center ground in favor of more right-wing policies in an effort to win over the party base. Robert Jenrick, in particular, has ramped up his anti-migration rhetoric, calling for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to address what he sees as a threat from dangerous criminals on the streets. Tom Tugendhat has rejected the term “climate emergency” and criticized plans for a publicly owned clean energy company, while Kemi Badenoch has emphasized her support for traditional family values.
Beauty Contest
The Conservative Party conference has been described as a beauty contest as the leadership candidates parade themselves in front of party members to shore up support. They are attending hustings, Q&A sessions, fringe events, and drinks receptions in an effort to win over the grassroots of the party. Despite former Prime Minister Theresa May’s warning against moving too far to the right, the candidates seem determined to stake out their positions on key issues.
Policy Positions
Robert Jenrick’s call to leave the ECHR has sparked debate within the party, with some questioning the wisdom of such a move. Kemi Badenoch’s comments on maternity pay have also raised eyebrows, as she initially called it “excessive” before backtracking and emphasizing the importance of supporting families. Tom Tugendhat’s rejection of the term “climate emergency” has drawn criticism from environmental activists, who argue that urgent action is needed to address the threat of climate change. James Cleverly’s comments on gender identity have also sparked controversy, with some accusing him of being out of touch with modern attitudes towards LGBTQ+ issues.
In conclusion, the Tory leadership candidates are making a clear shift to the right as they seek to appeal to the more conservative elements within the party. Their positions on key issues such as migration, climate change, family values, and gender identity are likely to shape the future direction of the party. As the leadership race heats up, it remains to be seen which candidate will emerge victorious and lead the Tories into the next chapter of British politics.
