Euphoria in Opposition: Tory Conference Highlights Denial and Optimism Amidst Political Shifts

The Conservative party gathering is buzzing with confidence that they can reclaim leadership in five years – but could this be merely the initial phase of denial in grief?

The sense of liberation from no longer having to govern, coupled with the sight of their rivals struggling to manage the nation, has infused the conference with a surprising burst of happiness.

Political reporter @AliFortescue

Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 8:

An unusual presence has permeated the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham this week.

A feeling that can best be characterized as a type of bliss.

"A senior Tory shares with me, all smiles, 'The gang's reunited,' and this time, we can truly relish the moment!"

The sense of liberation from shedding the weight of duty, coupled with observing the rival team struggle to govern, has infused this conference with an unforeseen burst of delight.

Interestingly, and perhaps overly so, there's a prevailing sense of confidence that this party could make a comeback in five years.

Nearly all of the senior Conservatives I've talked to believe that winning in 2029 is within reach.

There are primarily two key factors.

Further Insights on Conservatives

While Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick have captured significant media attention, it's James Cleverly who truly merits close observation.

Tugendhat expresses dismay over Jenrick's incorporation of video footage featuring a deceased fellow soldier from their service time in his campaign material.

Badenoch 'quips' that 10% of civil servants 'deserve jail'

Associated Subjects:

At the Conservative Party Conference, Cleverly Asserts: 'China Ought to Finance Peppa Pig'

Initially, the July election saw Sir Keir Starmer achieve what has been described as a "shallow" victory. Former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps believes a mere shift of 2% of the electorate might have swung the results in favor of a decisive Conservative triumph.

It is certain that Labour's overwhelming victory, achieved with only 34% of the vote compared to Tony Blair's 43%, is not as robust as it seems.

Labour's transformation from a dismal performance in 2019 to achieving one of their strongest outcomes in 2024 highlights the increasing unpredictability of voters.

Stay informed on current events from the UK and international scenes by tuning into Sky News.

At every turn of the Conservative Party conference, one can find a current or former MP eager to discuss the figures.

Another factor fueling the party's optimism about regaining control quickly is the recent series of events involving the Labour Party.

The announcement of Rosie Duffield's dramatic departure has injected a burst of energy into the conference: the mood is jubilant among Conservatives as they observe Labour grappling with the challenges of governance.

However, believing that power can be restored so quickly is overly simplistic.

Transitioning from the opposition party to the ruling party presents significant challenges, and the Conservatives are currently adapting to their newfound responsibilities.

A person described the situation to me in these terms: "The Tories act as though they're the ruling party, while Labour behaves as if they're the challengers." The role of the opposition is to capture attention, a skill the Tories have seemingly lost.

We recommend using the Chrome browser for an optimal video viewing experience.

They remain a party that continues to grapple with issues of trust and competence, and they are still overshadowed by Liz Truss, who arguably drew the most attention, especially from journalists, this week.

Survey data indicates that for a political party to secure a victory, it's crucial they lead in areas such as leadership quality and economic management. The Conservatives experienced a significant setback in their economic reputation back in 1992, and it wasn't until the financial crisis of 2008 that they were able to regain their standing

Read more: Jenrick closely trails Badenoch, according to survey; Reeves plans trip to China early next year to strengthen trade relations.

Alternatively, one could simply bide their time until the government falters. Recent history has clearly demonstrated that unforeseen incidents can significantly shape political landscapes.

The coming years might present more surprises, but currently, what ought to resemble a somber gathering instead feels like a cheerful family gathering. Keep in mind: denial is often the initial phase of mourning.

The excitement of a leadership race has energized this conference; however, as a chilly, bleak November approaches, the party will fully realize the enormity of the obstacles they confront. The forthcoming phases—despondency, acknowledgment, and eventually restoring the confidence of the electorate—may require more time than the Conservative Party anticipates.

Associated Subjects

Sky News Base

Overview of Sky News

Services Offered by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sky Websites