Witney Waves Goodbye: Former Tory Stronghold Embraces Change After a Century

In the traditionally Conservative area of Witney, the reasons for the long-standing supporters turning their backs on the party are evident. While locals might have sympathized with Rishi Sunak, their allegiance did not extend to his party, which they ousted after a century of continuous support.

Business reporter @SkyNewsAdele

Saturday, July 6, 2024, 9:

The morning is overcast and dull in the heart of Witney.

Rainfall cascades over Cotswold stone and splashes onto the sidewalks.

This gloomy July setting perfectly encapsulates the current mood among Conservatives in this area.

Witney, located in Oxfordshire, has remained a Conservative bastion for over a century and once served as the electoral district for ex-Prime Minister Lord Cameron. However, it is no longer considered a guaranteed seat for the party.

A roadside sign proclaiming "Liberal Democrats Winning Here" signifies the election of the town's new Member of Parliament.

Charlie Maynard secured the seat previously held by the Conservatives, garnering 20,832 votes compared to Robert Courts' 16,493.

Locating a Conservative voter from the recent election who is willing to discuss their choice can be challenging.

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First up for a discussion is Mark Doig, positioned by the butcher's shop, who characterizes the Tories as "somewhat disorganized."

"He says there have been too many prime ministers. 'Boris Johnson, Liz Truss – each one contributed to the problem,' he explains."

He also mentioned he "could consider voting for the Liberal Democrats" in the future.

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He notes: "I believe the Conservatives have truly missed their chance; recovery will be challenging."

Joan White, another loyal Conservative supporter, is found on her mobility scooter outside Waitrose, where she typically casts her vote for the Tories.

"She remarked on the significant amount of effort required, particularly concerning immigration, noting that it demands attention from everyone involved."

Then came the comment: "I was fond of Rishi Sunak; he truly is a gentleman in the political arena, though maybe he lacked a bit of firmness."

Several individuals have expressed a similar sentiment – they are fond of Mr. Sunak, yet they do not see him as a leader.

"Rishi Sunak lacked strength," concurs Patricia Harvey-Thompson. "He was respectable, yet not forceful enough."

She expresses sympathy for him, thus she awarded him a single vote.

She continues, "I could have chosen the Lib Dems," pausing, she reflects, "but I figured, at least cast one vote."

I inquire about her current sentiments as a voter who supports the Conservative party.

Her response is straightforward: "Disappointed."

Additionally, she confesses that she will "never forgive them for partygate" following the death of her family member from COVID.

From Patricia's perspective, along with others I've talked to, it appears that the Conservatives have not succeeded in many areas.

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Jack Treloar, a 19-year-old Conservative councillor for Witney, concurs that people desired change "both at the national and local levels."

He explains that this was the reason they strategically chose not to support the Conservative Party.

Discover more: Apprehensive electors grant Labour a 'reluctant landslide victory.' Who are the potential successors to Sunak as Conservative leader?

What's the next step for the Conservative Party in Witney?

Jack mentioned that the Reform party divided the electorate, highlighting that the Conservatives must intensify their efforts to persuade those voters to come back.

The residents of this town have grown increasingly disillusioned with the Conservatives, using their votes as a form of protest.

The upcoming Conservative leader must take decisive action to win back the electorate.

It seems that even the loyalists are beginning to drift apart now.

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