As the Conservative Party braces for what could be its most devastating electoral loss in history, internal tensions are boiling over.
With just seven days remaining until the election, polls indicate that the party is on the verge of an unprecedented collapse, potentially securing fewer than 100 seats in Parliament.
The blame game has already begun within Tory ranks, with various factions pointing fingers for months. Now, as the election looms closer, prominent figures are publicly airing their grievances.
Former cabinet minister Nadine Dorries was among the first to break ranks, directly blaming Michael Gove for the party’s current woes.
Dorries called for Gove to be denied a seat in the House of Lords, citing her own exclusion as precedent.
“Gove’s been in cabinet for longer than any current or former Conservative MP since 2010. This general election will be a verdict on Michael Gove and his think tanks, Onward and Policy Exchange, more than a verdict on any serving or former prime minister.”
Nadine Dorries
Dorries, who served as culture secretary, has not forgiven Gove for what she sees as his betrayal of Boris Johnson after the 2016 EU referendum and the subsequent Partygate scandal.
She also criticized the policy directions from the think tanks associated with Gove, condemning the “big state, big tax, big regulation approach” of the current government led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
“Gove has repeatedly stabbed democratically elected Prime Ministers in the back – Boris in 2016 and 22, and Liz in 22 – and at every turn, he’s chosen the socialist rather than the conservative option. This is why we’re behind in the polls.
“This torture must not continue after 4 July. He must never be allowed to represent the Tory Party again and at all times, those who believe in conservatism and democracy need to watch out for his influence and dark arts as the leadership battle starts.”
Nadine Dorries
In response, a source close to Gove said, “Michael wishes Nadine all the very best for the future.”
Disputes and the Conservative Party’s Future
Amid these internal disputes, there is speculation about the party’s future leadership. Some suggest that Lord David Cameron might be asked to step in as an interim leader following a crushing defeat, allowing the party time to reassess its rules and strategies.
However, a source close to the foreign secretary dismissed this notion as “utter nonsense.”
Concerns also arise regarding the process of selecting the next leader, with fears that ordinary members might be excluded from the decision-making process if the party’s parliamentary representation significantly diminishes.
Former chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady, indicated his willingness to provide guidance to the successor committee of Tory MPs in drafting the rules for the leadership contest.
However, the blame for the party’s predicament is not limited to Dorries and her allies.
Brexiteers and supporters of former Prime Minister Liz Truss are criticizing the failure to capitalize on the opportunities presented by leaving the EU, including tax cuts and exiting the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
They argue that these shortcomings have left a “gulf on the right” that Nigel Farage and Reform UK are exploiting, drawing millions of voters away from the Tories.
Prominent right-wing figures such as Suella Braverman and Jacob Rees-Mogg have voiced their agreement with many of Reform UK’s policies, further highlighting the ideological rift within the party.
Meanwhile, veteran Thatcherite Brexiteer Sir John Redwood announced that he is writing an article outlining the reasons behind the Sunak government’s failures.
As such, the Conservative Party faces not only the threat of a historic defeat but also the challenge of addressing deep internal divisions and redefining its future direction.
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