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Senior members of the Conservative Party are cautioning against experiencing any form of “bloody panic” as they prepare for what is anticipated to be an unfavorable outcome in the upcoming local elections. There has been significant discussion surrounding potential alliances with the Reform Party and the leadership of Kemi Badenoch, with party insiders advising against drastic measures at this time.
Two former cabinet ministers have expressed concern regarding any shifts in strategy following the election results next Friday. Andrew Mitchell emphasized that “talk of deals with Reform is misplaced,” while John Glen stressed that Badenoch should not be “pushed off course” amidst the turbulence.
The Conservative Party is already facing fractured sentiments ahead of the elections, where predictions suggest a loss of numerous seats. Ben Houchen, the Tees Valley mayor, has floated the idea of a coalition with Reform, while Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, has mentioned his desire to unite right-leaning factions, though he clarified that this was not a formal partnership with Nigel Farage’s party.
Some in the party speculate that Jenrick may be subtly positioning himself for a leadership bid, an assertion he denies. Houchen is also viewed as a potential future leadership contender, with talks of him possibly leaving the House of Lords to fight for a parliamentary seat in a byelection.
Privately, several Conservative MPs have noted the buzz in party circles regarding a potential “regicide” against Badenoch, should the election results be dismal. However, the consensus is that removing a leader who has not had a significant tenure would be highly controversial.
In defense of Badenoch, Jenrick asserted that they are aligned in their goals and are committed to “putting Reform out of business.” He acknowledged her efforts by describing them as commendable and called upon colleagues to provide her with the necessary support.
Jenrick showed public allegiance to Badenoch during an interview where he discussed a campaign against the theft of tools. Although some reports suggested that the campaign was initiated without the prior knowledge of Conservative headquarters, both teams later stated that the action was fully endorsed.
Addressing the current situation, Badenoch was clear: “We are not doing a deal with Reform, there’s not going to be a pact. What we need to focus on right now is ensuring a credible Conservative offer for the electorate.”
Mitchell referred to a notable quote from Rear Admiral Sir Morgan Morgan-Giles, urging a calm approach: “Pro bono publico, no bloody panico.” He underscored that Reform’s intentions were adversarial towards the Conservative Party, arguing that the correct response involves developing sound policies rather than considering alliance talks, which could signify weakness.
“The role of leading the Conservative Party is extremely challenging, and I believe even the archangel Gabriel would struggle in her position,” he remarked.
Echoing these sentiments, Simon Hoare, a former housing minister, shared the philosophy of maintaining composure: “Without sounding too much like Corporal Jones, this is ‘don’t panic’.” He noted the journey of parliament is long and requires the party to demonstrate stability and maturity.
One senior Conservative expressed concern about the prevailing atmosphere, indicating that there is a frantic tendency surrounding Reform, but emphasized the importance of avoiding the appearance of chaos, particularly when it comes to leadership stability.
Glen highlighted that Badenoch’s appointment followed an extensive selection process, and she has been in her role for less than six months. He asserted that the next general election is still years away, and it is crucial for Conservative MPs to focus on rebuilding public trust through rigorous policymaking and honesty.
Meanwhile, moderate Conservatives are advocating for a break from mimicking Reform’s strategies, proposing a more transparent rationale for why the Conservatives should be the viable option for voters. A former minister noted that supporters of Reform have valid concerns, particularly regarding economic issues, and the Tories should provide clear solutions to address significant challenges, such as low wages and the welfare system.
Regarding a potential alliance with Reform, a centrist MP expressed caution about the implications, asserting that while immediate gains may seem attractive, a long-term partnership could complicate future elections and risk party unity.
Another doubtful MP warned that any union with Reform would likely be detrimental, branding it an “unbelievably poisonous marriage” with no sustainable future.
Source
www.theguardian.com