On the final evening of the Conservative conference, I strolled past a sparsely populated room where a small group of individuals were dancing to ABBA tunes. The time was 10:15 pm, a popular hour for party loyalists and corporate influencers eager to mingle with prominent Conservative figures.
The scene of fewer than a dozen individuals grooving to “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” reflected the shifting dynamics. Once a dominant force in politics, the Tories are currently facing challenges. With Labour in government, Reform making significant strides, and even the Liberal Democrats encroaching on traditional Tory territories, the Conservative Party finds itself in a slump.
The lackluster turnout at the conference emphasized the stark reality for hopeful Tories. Despite being in power for 14 years, their dwindling support is evident, with many speeches to near-empty rooms. Controversial proposals to deport hundreds of thousands and slash public spending failed to resonate, given the party’s distant prospects of returning to power.
Even the usual protesters were notably absent from the conference perimeter this year. Amid murmurs of extravagant spending, the typically bustling hotel bar remained unusually quiet.
From a journalistic perspective, the Conservative conference has always been a fertile ground for stories, showcasing a mix of intrigue, power struggles, and occasional awkward moments.
Unlike the subdued atmosphere of the previous year, this year’s event lacked any discernible energy or enthusiasm. Attendees whispered about the noticeable emptiness, despite efforts to mask the reduced presence.
While Nigel Farage’s shadow loomed over the conference, discussions around Kemi Badenoch’s leadership were circulating without sparking significant action. As the heir apparent, Robert Jenrick maintained a cautious approach following Labour’s recent leadership turmoil.
Badenoch used the conference to unveil a series of bold policies, including mass deportations and substantial spending cuts. Although her speech drew a full hall and resonated with loyal Conservatives, the party’s credibility with voters remains a challenge.
Attempting to seize the moderate economic ground, Badenoch faces tough competition from Reform Party on immigration policies. Despite potentially securing temporary support within the party, the looming challenge of May’s local elections poses a critical test for her leadership.
As the Tories struggle to connect with the electorate, the future remains uncertain, raising doubts about whether their messages are truly resonating with the wider public.