On the closing night of the Conservative conference, a nearly deserted room caught my eye where a small group was swaying to ABBA tunes. This was at 10:15 pm, typically a bustling time for party loyalists and corporate influencers seeking to mingle with prominent Conservative figures.
The scene of only a handful of individuals dancing to “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” starkly highlighted the shift in circumstances. Once a highly successful political force, the Tories are currently facing a challenging period.
With Labour in office, Reform making strides, and even the Liberal Democrats encroaching on traditional Tory strongholds, the Conservative party finds itself in a weakened state. Poor poll numbers and sparse attendance at the conference reinforced the stark reality for any hopeful Tories. Having held power for 14 years, they are struggling to capture attention.
Many speeches by shadow cabinet members were delivered to largely empty rooms. Proposals to deport hundreds of thousands of individuals and implement significant budget cuts failed to make a substantial impact, given the party’s distant prospects of regaining power.
Even the customary protesters outside the conference perimeter were notably absent this time. Rumors circulated about excessive spending, as the usually bustling hotel bar was surprisingly easy to access.
As a journalist for The Mirror, Conservative conferences have always provided rich material for coverage. From political maneuvering to amusing missteps and awkward dance moves, the events were never short of intrigue.
Contrary to the somber atmosphere of the previous year, this year’s conference lacked any discernible energy or enthusiasm. The absence of a distinct atmosphere was palpable.
Conversations in corridors focused on the noticeable emptiness despite efforts to mask the reduced presence of exhibitors. Nigel Farage, a prominent figure, received little attention during the conference.
Speculation about Kemi Badenoch’s potential leadership was rife, though no significant actions were taken. Robert Jenrick, seen as a likely successor, maintained a cautious approach, learning from the recent missteps of Labour’s Andy Burnham.
Kemi Badenoch used the conference as a platform to unveil a series of policy proposals, including mass deportations and substantial spending cuts. Her well-attended speech resonated with loyal Conservative supporters.
However, the party’s credibility with voters has been significantly eroded, making it challenging for a Shadow Cabinet comprised of former Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, and Boris Johnson allies to present a compelling alternative. While Badenoch attempted to position the Tories as moderate on economic issues, her immigration policies fall short of Reform’s stance.
Badenoch may have bought herself some time within the party, at least until the upcoming local elections in May. But the crucial question remains: Is anyone else paying attention to the Tories’ message?