Zahawi Declares Conservatives ‘Rightly’ Ousted, Urges Party Unity Amid Leadership Shakeup

Ex-minister Nadhim Zahawi stated on Sky News that the public justifiably ousted his party, which had turned on itself, forming a "firing squad." He emphasized the need for the next party leader to unify the group.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, July 7, 2024, 10:

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Ex-Tory cabinet member Nadhim Zahawi acknowledged that the electorate made the correct decision in removing his party from power, stating that it was now an opportunity for the party to "regroup."

Mr. Zahawi, who resigned before the general election, described the recent election outcomes as "pretty catastrophic" for the Conservatives during an interview on Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips.

The formerly leading political party has seen its representation in parliament drastically reduced from 365 to just 121 members, following a historic loss that ousted many of its prominent figures, in the wake of a sweeping win by the Labour Party.

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Mr. Zahawi stated, "The situation is quite disastrous. To drop from 365 MPs to just 121 is truly startling. However, I believe this presents us with a chance to reorganize."

He mentioned that there is still "significant skill" within the Conservative Party and expressed optimism that they would unify and strengthen the party.

He continued, citing the numerous leadership battles over recent years: "We've spent too much time, far too many years, forming a circle like a firing squad, and that's what the voters witnessed.

"Hence, their response was justified; they ousted us from leadership."

Mr. Zahawi refrained from specifying who should take the helm of the Conservatives or who should be excluded. He emphasized that it's crucial for any potential leader to possess a strategy to "unite the party".

When questioned about his support for potential leadership contenders such as Suella Braverman or Kemi Badenoch, who are considered polarizing figures on the right, he stated that he would "not publicly criticize or attack his colleagues."

Indicating his reluctance to move towards more conservative policies, the ex-chancellor expressed his disagreement with suggestions from some of his previous peers about bringing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage into their group.

Mr. Zahawi noted that the Conservatives suffered losses to both Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats, emphasizing that the successor to Rishi Sunak must attract supporters from both factions.

He mentioned, "We must remember that the Lib Dems have captured a significant number of seats from us, my own in Stratford-on-Avon included."

"The notion that simply addressing the matters of Reform, along with immigration and migration, will suffice is inadequate."

Mr. Zahawi, who was dismissed from his position as the Conservative chairman last year amid controversies over his tax dealings, declared in May that he would not seek reelection for the constituency he has served since 2010.

In a victorious election outing, Stratford-on-Avon emerged as one of several "blue wall" seats captured by the Liberal Democrats, contributing to a historic win where Sir Ed Davey's party secured a total of 72 seats, becoming the third biggest party in parliament following a significant decline in backing for the SNP.

Reform UK secured five seats, cutting into the Conservative vote and relegating Rishi Sunak's party to third and fourth positions in several previously Tory-held districts.

Mr. Sunak has acknowledged his role in his party's recent electoral defeats and declared that he will step down. This opens the door for a contest to select a new leader, marking the party's sixth change of leadership in less than a decade.

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The competition could spark a new wave of internal disputes among the remaining Conservative MPs as they discuss the future path of their party.

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Former Interior Minister Ms. Braverman, who narrowly held onto her Fareham and Waterlooville constituency, attributed the significant loss to a "foolish strategy," elevated tax rates, immigration issues, and "extreme political correctness" in a harsh critique published in The Sunday Telegraph.

She subsequently suggested she might consider running for leadership, telling GB News on Sunday: "I'm engaging in numerous discussions with colleagues and I'm quite honored by their comments towards me."

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Ex-immigration chief Robert Jenrick, who may also vie for leadership from the conservative faction, has attributed the election defeat to uncontrolled immigration, elevated tax rates, and malfunctioning public services.

He hasn't dismissed the possibility of running for leadership, but he expressed to BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg that discussing it currently is "self-indulgent," emphasizing instead that the party should focus on introspection.

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Several Conservative Party members are anticipated to announce their bids for the party leadership, including ex-security minister Tom Tugendhat, former business secretary Ms Badenoch, and the previous home secretary, Dame Priti Patel.

Sources indicate that Jeremy Hunt, the former chancellor known for his centrist views, has decided not to enter the leadership contest after barely retaining his seat with a margin of fewer than 900 votes.

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