Tory Leadership

[Paigntonian]

Bizarre that Grant Shaps stands for the leadership and then withdraws within 24 hours. Also odd that Priti Patel (who has a very high opinion of herself) doesn't stand.

[davebro]

It's all to do with the backing they think they've got & what actually materialises.

[FatticusInch]

Some people know their limitations.
They reached their ceiling in a Johnson cabinet, who is renowned for surrounding himself with sycophants who would never be brave enough to challenge him.
They’ll never be regarded as ‘elder statesmen’ like some of their party who held the same posts in previous governments.

[bhg481]

Remember there's going to be a GE within the next couple of years and it's pretty certain that the Tory majority will shrink. The current leader will get the blame and the knives will be out again. Bettter to wait this one out and compete in a couple of year's time.

[Paigntonian]

bhg: In two years anything can happen. Ridiculous to make predictions.

[naomi24]

I predict chaos. I hope I’m wrong.

[Paigntonian]

I honestly believe that Labour won't win another election. They might try to cobble together some kind of coalition with the Libs Dems and the SNP but, like the Cameron-Clegg coalition, it will end in tears. I don't even think that will happen. Labour would need a 7-8 per cent swing to overcome a Tory majority of 80 and it's not going to happen. Starmer useless, his ghastly deputy useless. Blair realised you can't win from the Left anymore. It's over.

[FatticusInch]

I agree. The best Labour can hope for is forming a coalition government…..and/or another Johnson type scandal.
Starmer must up his game dramatically over the next 3 months.

[William51]

This present Tory government is obsessed with self destruction. They push out the best PM for a generation while fighting amongst themselves. It could be the best thing for Labour.

[FatticusInch]

Oh dear.

[naomi24]

I agree William.

[Paigntonian]

Don't think Starmer has the verve, the balls, the killer instinct to hit the Tories hard. He's probably a nice chap but no-one wants to vote for cardboard. Who else does Labour have? Labour need a passionate leader, a ground-breaking, distinctive leader and, frankly, they haven't got one.

[William51]

Mark my words, Labour will win the next General Election.

[FatticusInch]

Care to answer the question in my last post on this thread William, directly after yours?

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question1802927.html#answer-13293344

[Paigntonian]

Wiliam: What don't you understand about 80-seat majority? The Tories continue to win and will carry on doing so.

[New Judge]

//It's over.//

I sincerely hope you're right. Unfortunately I don't share your confidence. The biggest problem the Tories must overcome is voter apathy (or more precisely, voter abstentions). Under the Johnson Premiership I could not vote Conservative (and I've no intention of voting for any other party). It has nothing to do with "Partygate", nothing to do with the other scandals he has been embroiled in. It is to do with policy. The new PM needs to develop policies that are Tory principles - small state, low taxes, self-reliance and the UK first. The Johnson administration promoted none of those. The new administration also needs to develop a sustainable energy policy which exploits the UK's natural resources and ditches the lunatic idea that this country can become "net Zero" (even with creative accounting). Until and unless the new PM publishes his or her ideas to achieve those aims the Tory party will not get my vote and, if my "straw poll" among my friends and acquaintances is anything to go by, they won't be getting many of theirs either.

[Paigntonian]

William 51. Mark my words. They won't.

[naomi24]

Paigntonian. Unless Labour trundles out Corbyn or someone equally unelectable the Conservatives will never replicate that.

[Paigntonian]

New Judge: It's a well-considered point. I think a lot us want Tory leaders to be - Tory. Can't see Sunak doing it. Mourdant maybe, Truss maybe...

[William51]

The facts of life is that governments run out of steam and the opposition gets in power. The question is, how long would an impending new Tory government govern for?.

[FatticusInch]

In light of what New Judge has posted both parties will dismiss the Lib Dems at their peril.
Voter apathy/tactical voting and a weariness of the toing and froing between the main belligerents could see results trending as they have in the last 3 by-elections.
The mood suggests changes afoot.