Lizzy Buchan, serving as the Political Editor for the Mirror, has covered Westminster since 2017, focusing on various areas such as work, trade unions, child poverty, defence, and foreign policy. During the final night of the Conservative conference, I observed a nearly empty room where a few individuals were dancing to ABBA tunes. Despite the early hour of 10:15 pm, typically a bustling time for party loyalists and corporate influencers seeking connections with prominent Conservative figures, the scene was desolate.
The sparse gathering grooving to “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” symbolized a stark shift in the party’s fortunes. Once a dominant force in politics, the Tories now find themselves marginalized. With Labour in power, Reform making significant strides, and even the Liberal Democrats encroaching on traditional Tory strongholds, the party faces a daunting reality. Lackluster attendance at the conference underscored the grim acknowledgment among hopeful Tories that their influence is waning after a long 14-year tenure in power.
Amidst the conference, key members of the shadow cabinet delivered speeches to half-empty rooms. Proposals like mass deportations and substantial spending cuts failed to resonate, given the Tories’ remote chances of returning to power. Notably, even the usual protesters were noticeably absent from the conference perimeter.
The subdued atmosphere at this year’s Tory conference contrasted with the usual buzz and energy. Past conferences were marked by intrigue, power dynamics, missteps, and peculiar dances, offering rich material for journalists like those from the Mirror. While the previous year witnessed a subdued mood but an engaging leadership contest culminating in Kemi Badenoch’s election, this year lacked any palpable enthusiasm or engagement.
Despite efforts to conceal the sparse attendance, murmurs echoed through corridors about the emptiness pervading the event. Nigel Farage’s presence loomed large, yet discussions around Kemi Badenoch’s leadership potential failed to ignite action. As potential successors like Robert Jenrick treaded cautiously, Badenoch unveiled a policy blitz during the conference, attracting some support but struggling to regain credibility with voters.
While Badenoch aimed to position the Tories as moderate on economic issues, her stringent immigration policies may not resonate with the electorate compared to Reform’s stance. The Shadow Cabinet, composed of figures associated with Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, and Boris Johnson, faces challenges in presenting a viable alternative to the current government. Badenoch’s tenure may last until the upcoming local elections in May, but the party’s struggle to connect with the public remains a pressing concern.
In conclusion, the Conservative conference reflected a party grappling with diminished influence and struggling to redefine its identity in a changing political landscape.