Mass Tory Exodus: Record Number of Conservative MPs Depart Amid Election Fears

Mass departure of MPs from Conservative Party – privately, many concede defeat is likely

As MPs who had previously declared their exit delivered their farewell addresses in the House of Commons, Michael Gove and Dame Andrea Leadsom announced their plans to step down from parliament.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Friday, May 24, 2024, 10:

On the last day the House of Commons convened before the election, the perspective from the rear of the chamber spoke volumes.

Dressed in her signature bright red suit, Theresa May exited the chamber following a speech by Ben Wallace, with the Conservative side filled to capacity, in stark contrast to the sparsely populated Labour seats.

Members of Parliament participated in a "Valedictory Debate," a unique and swiftly organized session allowing retiring MPs to deliver their farewell speeches.

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Amid the ongoing debate, a significant benchmark was achieved as the count of Conservative members stepping down surpassed the figure from 1997, following 18 years of Conservative governance.

Sir David Evennett, the 74-year-old MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, recently declared his retirement. This decision brings the tally of MPs stepping down or resigning to 76, surpassing the 1997 record of 75.

By the time parliament adjourned at 8:25 PM, the tally had risen to 78 following two unexpected declarations, initially from Michael Gove and subsequently from former cabinet minister Andrea Leadsom.

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During a dramatic episode in the House of Commons, Matt Hancock announced Mr. Gove's unexpected resignation, leaving the gathered MPs visibly shocked. This announcement came shortly after Hancock himself had delivered a heartfelt goodbye speech.

Amid the prorogation ceremony, there was a stunning revelation from Dame Andrea, who currently serves as a junior health minister, declaring her resignation. She also took a swipe at Rishi Sunak in her announcement.

In her letter to Mr. Sunak, she emphatically stated, "I will remain a supporter of the Conservative Party…" Typically, resignation letters from outgoing ministers include expressions of personal support for the prime minister. That must sting!

As the session came to a close, the count of Members of Parliament who announced their retirement stood at 121, surpassing the 1997 figure by four but not reaching the 2010 peak of 149 retirements following 13 years under a Labour government.

In the assembly room, the discussion was charged with emotion. Participants alternated between crying and laughter. They shared personal stories and effusive praises. Additionally, one outgoing member expressed resentment, fury, and made several accusations.

Numerous individuals stepping down from positions in the Commons include prominent former ministers, and even a former prime minister in the case of Mrs. May. Additionally, a significant number of these departures involve younger members, whose resignations have been unexpected.

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One of the youngest members, Dehenna Davison, addressed her fellow MPs saying, "I never imagined that this would be my final speech in this chamber, especially not at the age of 30."

It should be noted that several Conservative MPs are departing from parliament following involvement in scandals or after allegations of misconduct led to them being stripped of their party whip.

The lawmaker leveling heated claims, alleging that a government whip engaged in bullying and harassment, was Julian Knight. He had previously been under police investigation for serious sexual assault allegations, which were later dismissed.

Former Health Secretary Mr. Hancock, who was stripped of his Conservative party affiliation after participating in the reality TV show "I'm A Celebrity," discussed the impact on his children during a heartfelt speech.

"Being under intense political scrutiny, particularly when errors are made, takes a significant toll on those involved," he stated, visibly emotional and on the verge of tears.

Former sports minister Dame Tracey Crouch was also moved to tears during what she described as "one of the most emotional speeches I have ever delivered in parliament".

In addition to Mrs. May, Mr. Wallace, Mr. Gove, Dame Andrea, and Mr. Hancock, there are 12 other present or previous Conservative cabinet ministers stepping down: Sajid Javid, George Eustice, Alister Jack, Dominic Raab, David Jones, Alok Sharma, Chris Grayling, Brandon Lewis, Nadhim Zahawi, Chris Heaton-Harris, Sir John Redwood, and Greg Clark.

During her farewell address, as her husband Sir Philip looked on from the public seats, Mrs. May honored her "top supporter," who was always ready to prepare beans on toast and serve whisky during the challenging days at Downing Street.

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As the debate concluded, members paid homage to Craig Mackinlay, who marked his poignant and victorious comeback to the Commons this week following a battle with sepsis. However, he has admitted that he is not well enough to participate in the upcoming campaign.

Additionally departing is the enigmatic yet perpetually upbeat Sir Graham Brady, who has continuously led the 1922 Committee since 2010, serving under five Conservative prime ministers.

Two deputy speakers, Eleanor Laing and Rosie Winterton, along with prominent Conservative backbenchers Sir Charles Walker and Sir Bill Cash, are stepping down.

On the Labour front, the esteemed Dames Margarets, Beckett and Hodge, joined by the Mother of the House, Dame Harriet Harman—who pointed out to MPs that Rishi Sunak was only two years old when she first entered Parliament—are all stepping down.

Among the minor parties, ex-SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford and the Green Party's Caroline Lucas are also departing.

In addition to Mr. Knight, various Members of Parliament including Conservatives Crispin Blunt, William Wragg, Mark Menzies, and Mr. Knight, as well as Labour representatives Nick Brown and Conor McGinn, will be departing. They will be joined by former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who faces accusations of sexual offenses.

Why is there a notable exodus of Conservative MPs? Could it be that they've looked at the opinion polls and concluded that their party's reign might be ending, and they're not keen on the tough and frequently thankless task of being in the opposition?

During the 1979 general election campaign, just before Labour lost to Margaret Thatcher, a well-known saying is credited to James Callaghan.

"Sunny Jim" remarked astutely to his close aide Bernard Donoughue, "You realize, about once every three decades, politics undergoes a profound transformation."

"Subsequently, whatever actions you take or words you speak become irrelevant. Public opinion has transformed, altering their desires and what they find acceptable. I believe we are witnessing such a profound transformation – and it's centered around Mrs. Thatcher."

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In 2024, Conservative cabinet members and supportive MPs may not openly acknowledge a major shift toward Labour and Sir Keir Starmer. However, behind closed doors, a number of them are resigned to the likelihood of a loss.

This is likely the reason behind the increasing number of Conservative MPs stepping down.

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