Following significant losses in the local elections, the Conservative Party debates its future direction and leadership, with key figures expressing diverging views on the way forward.
Following the local elections held in May 2024, the Conservative Party faced significant losses, including the defeat of former Tory Mayor Andy Street in the West Midlands by Labour’s Richard Parker. The election results stirred widespread discussion within the party about the need for a strategic shift and reconsideration of leadership under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Boris Johnson’s former director of communications, Guto Harri, voiced concerns about the party’s direction, suggesting a move towards more conservative policies. Braverman argued that the Conservative Party had not been conservative enough, advocating for tougher migration controls and a withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights. Despite these comments, calls for a leadership change were met with resistance from some quarters, including Transport Secretary Mark Harper, who supported Sunak’s continuation in leadership.
Sunak, in response to the election outcomes, defended his leadership and strategy, indicating his intention to stay the course and challenge the gains made by Labour and other parties. Labour leader Keir Starmer, meanwhile, celebrated the successes, framing them as a sign of public desire for change.
The results and ensuing debates underscore the internal challenges facing the Conservative Party as it looks to redefine its appeal to voters and address the issues highlighted by the election setbacks.
