Rishi Sunak Apologizes Eight Times at Tory ‘Wake’ as Defeated MPs Lament Election Timing and Strategy

Rishi Sunak expressed his apologies eight times to Conservative MPs during a gathering described as a party 'wake'. Approximately half of the 251 Tories who were defeated in the recent election attended to hear the ex-prime minister express regret for the electoral defeat and to collectively mourn the end of their once-promising careers in politics.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Thursday, July 17, 2024, at 23

The atmosphere resembled a vigil, filled with crying, and Rishi Sunak apologized on eight occasions.

At the election, 251 Conservative MPs were unseated and received invitations to the esteemed Carlton Club, a stronghold of the Tory party. However, only approximately 120 attended. The gathering was an opportunity for the former prime minister to express regret for the electoral defeat and for the attendees to collectively mourn the end of their once-bright political futures.

Several of the individuals present, even those defending substantial majorities exceeding 20,000 votes, lost their seats as Reform UK garnered between 6,000 and 8,000 votes, ultimately tipping the scales in favor of Labour.

Expressions of sympathy and blame filled the air, casting a somber atmosphere. Former MPs in attendance noted that the sparse gathering at the event was indicative of resentment towards Mr. Sunak.

"Rishi essentially came to offer his sympathies for the ones we've lost," Nigel Evans, the former Deputy Speaker of the Commons who was defeated in Ribble Valley by Labour with a margin of 856 votes, shared with Sky News.

"There were quite a few emotional moments. Rishi repeatedly apologized, acknowledging that the election did not turn out as expected. He probably apologized about eight times."

Following Mr. Sunak's series of apologies, temporary party chairman Richard Fuller and temporary chief whip Stuart Andrew discussed with former MPs the necessity for the party to undergo a rebuilding process.

"Mr. Evans, who was first elected in 1992, stated, 'The level of expertise present here surpasses that found in Parliament. We were asked for our assistance.'"

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'What was the reason for our early departure?'

When questioned whether any unsuccessful Members of Parliament had approached Mr. Sunak to criticize the choice to conduct the election in July instead of postponing it until the fall, Mr. Evans responded, "No, there was nothing of that sort directed at him personally."

In confidential discussions, individuals questioned, "Why did we move ahead of schedule?" Many believe that if we had proceeded in November, as was initially anticipated, we might have preserved at least 100 seats.

"People believed victory was out of reach. They questioned: 'Why didn't you halt the boats? Why didn't you deport individuals to Rwanda?' None of these actions have been taken."

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"Revamping the Conservative Image"

Adam Holloway, defeated in Gravesham by Labour with a margin of 2,712 votes, stated to Sky News, "Our current focus is on reconstructing and revitalizing the Conservative brand."

"In the recent election, those of us who stood as Conservatives found it quite challenging to justify the extremely high rates of low-skilled immigration and the ambitious net zero goals, among other things."

"It's not shocking that we've experienced this setback. The issue is that the decent folks who cast their votes for Reform UK ended up with exactly the contrary of what they anticipated."

During Mr. Sunak’s decision to call for an election on July 4th, Mr. Holloway, who has been in office since 2005, commented, “It was obviously a catastrophe from my perspective. We were completely caught off guard by the announcement. I ended up spending £16,500 on my credit cards just on stamps to send out letters.”

"The focus is on the current events affecting the nation's citizens. The Conservative party has failed to adequately serve them, as we've let the Labour party gain dominance."

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Ex-Prime Minister appeared anxious

Among the other former Members of Parliament in attendance were James Sunderland, who was defeated in Bracknell by Labour with a margin of 784 votes, and Shailesh Vara, who narrowly lost his North West Cambridgeshire seat to Labour's newest and youngest member, 22-year-old Sam Carling, by a mere 39 votes.

Mr. Sunak appeared stressed as he exited the gathering, accompanied by his devoted supporters from North Yorkshire, Julian Smith, the MP for Skipton and Ripon, and Kevin Hollinrake, the shadow business secretary and MP for Thirsk and Malton.

His discomfort was evident when he confronted the former MPs who hold him responsible for the magnitude of the Conservative loss.

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