London, England – Suella Braverman has expressed disappointment in the performance of the Conservatives in England’s local elections, calling on party leader Rishi Sunak to take ownership of the poor results. Braverman, a former home secretary and Tory leadership candidate, emphasized the need for a change in direction to address the losses suffered by the party.
Despite Braverman’s criticisms, Transport Secretary Mark Harper defended the Prime Minister’s strategy, asserting that the current plan is effective. The Conservative Party is facing setbacks following the loss of control in 10 councils and over 470 council seats in the recent elections. Additionally, the party lost 10 Police and Crime Commissioners to Labour, indicating potential challenges for the Conservatives in future campaigns.
Ben Houchen’s re-election as the Tees Valley mayor offered some relief for the Tories, but the defeat of West Midlands mayor Andy Street was a significant blow. The loss in the Blackpool South by-election also added to Sunak’s string of defeats since assuming party leadership.
Braverman urged Sunak to address the concerns of dissatisfied Tory voters and demonstrate a genuine commitment to their needs. She emphasized the importance of Sunak taking decisive action in key areas such as taxation and immigration policy to regain voters’ trust.
Despite the calls for change within the Conservative Party, rebels within their ranks have not made any moves against Sunak. Some party members believe that there are no viable alternatives to replace Sunak at this point, instead opting to wait and see how the current leadership handles the challenges ahead.
Labour’s campaign chief, Pat McFadden, celebrated the party’s success in the local elections, highlighting their unexpected victory in the West Midlands mayoral race. McFadden acknowledged that Labour’s stance on certain issues, such as the Middle East, had impacted their performance in the elections.
As the Conservative Party assesses its position and strategizes for the upcoming general election, opinions vary on the need for a change in course. While some, like Maria Caulfield, advocate for staying the course and delivering on previous promises, others, like Mr. Street, believe in the value of moderate conservatism as demonstrated in close electoral battles.
The path forward for the Conservatives remains uncertain, with internal debates likely to continue as the party navigates the aftermath of the local elections. Sunak will need to address the competing demands for radical change and moderation within the party to secure its future success.