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Throughout history when Conservative leaders have appeared reasonably coherent on the surface – and alternate phases where they have sounded wildly irrational, yet remained popular by their party. We are not in either of those times. One prominent Conservative failed to inspire attendees when she addressed her conference, while she presented the divisive talking points of border-focused rhetoric she thought they wanted.

The issue wasn't that they’d all arisen with a fresh awareness of humanity; more that they didn’t believe she’d ever be equipped to deliver it. It was, an imitation. Conservatives despise that. One senior Conservative was said to label it a “jazz funeral”: loud, vigorous, but ultimately a goodbye.

Coming Developments for the Group That Can Reasonably Claim to Make for Itself as the Most Accomplished Political Organization in the World?

A faction is giving renewed consideration at a particular MP, who was a hard “no” at the start of the night – but as things conclude, and everyone else has departed. Some are fostering a interest around a newer MP, a recently elected representative of the 2024 intake, who appears as a countryside-based politician while wallpapering her socials with immigration-critical posts.

Could she be the leader to beat back Reform, now surpassing the Tories by a substantial lead? Does a term exist for beating your rivals by adopting their policies? Furthermore, if there isn’t, maybe we can borrow one from martial arts?

If You’re Enjoying These Developments, in a Schadenfreude Way, in a Serves-Them-Right-for-Austerity Way, One Can See Why – However Completely Irrational

You don’t even have to examine America to understand this, or consult a prominent academic's groundbreaking study, Conservative Parties and the Birth of Democracy: every one of your synapses is emphasizing it. Moderate conservatism is the essential firewall against the radical elements.

Ziblatt’s thesis is that democracies survive by keeping the “elite classes” happy. I’m not wild about it as an fundamental rule. It seems as though we’ve been indulging the privileged groups over generations, at the detriment of other citizens, and they don't typically become quite happy enough to cease desiring to take a bite out of disability benefits.

But his analysis is not speculation, it’s an archival deep dive into the Weimar-era political organization during the Weimar Republic (in parallel to the UK Tories circa 1906). When the mainstream right becomes uncertain, if it commences to chase the terminology and symbolic politics of the extremist elements, it transfers the steering wheel.

There Were Examples Comparable Behavior Throughout the EU Exit Process

Boris Johnson aligning with an influential advisor was a clear case – but radical alignment has become so obvious now as to obliterate any other Conservative messages. Where are the established party members, who prize predictability, preservation, governing principles, the UK reputation on the global scene?

Where did they go the modernisers, who portrayed the United Kingdom in terms of economic engines, not tension-filled environments? To be clear, I didn't particularly support any of them either, but it’s absolutely striking how these ideologies – the broad-church approach, the reformist element – have been marginalized, replaced by ongoing scapegoating: of immigrants, Islamic communities, welfare recipients and activists.

Appear at Podiums to Themes Resembling the Signature Music to the Television Drama

Emphasizing positions they oppose. They characterize rallies by 75-year-old pacifists as “festivals of animosity” and display banners – national emblems, Saint George’s flags, any item featuring a splash of matadorial colour – as an clear provocation to anyone who doesn’t think that being British through and through is the best thing a individual might attain.

There doesn’t seem to be any built-in restraint, that prompts reflection with core principles, their traditional foundations, their stated objectives. Whatever provocation the Reform leader presents to them, they follow. So, absolutely not, it isn't enjoyable to watch them implode. They are pulling civil society into the abyss.