On the final evening of the Conservative conference, I observed a nearly deserted room where a small group of individuals were enjoying ABBA music. Despite it being 10:15 pm, a time usually bustling with party loyalists and corporate influencers eager to mingle with prominent Conservative figures, the scene was bleak with only a handful of people dancing to “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme.”
The diminished turnout at the event underscored the current challenges faced by the Conservative Party, once a powerhouse in politics. With Labour in government, Reform gaining ground, and even the Liberal Democrats encroaching on traditional Conservative territories, the Tories find themselves in a precarious position. Poor polling numbers and lackluster conference attendance paint a grim reality for hopeful Tories, who, after 14 years in power, are struggling to capture public attention.
During the conference, many speeches by shadow cabinet members were delivered to half-empty rooms, and controversial proposals to deport hundreds of thousands of individuals and cut £47 billion from public spending failed to make a significant impact. The dwindling chances of the Conservatives returning to power have dampened enthusiasm even among protesters, who notably stayed away from the conference perimeter this year.
Despite efforts to conceal the low turnout by rearranging furniture, murmurs about the sparse attendance persisted throughout the corridors. While discussions about Nigel Farage’s influence loomed large, speculation regarding Kemi Badenoch’s leadership potential circulated without sparking significant action.
Badenoch sought to make a mark with a bold policy agenda at the conference, including mass deportations and substantial spending cuts. Although her speech garnered a full audience of party supporters, the party’s credibility with voters remains a critical issue. The challenge lies in presenting a credible alternative with a Shadow Cabinet comprised of individuals who previously served under popular figures like Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, and Boris Johnson.
While Badenoch attempted to position the Tories as advocates for moderate economic policies, her immigration proposals may struggle to distinguish the party from Reform. Despite potentially buying herself some time within the party, the looming challenge of the upcoming local elections casts a shadow over her leadership tenure.
The question that remains unanswered is whether anyone beyond the party faithful is paying attention to the Conservative Party’s attempts to regain relevance in the political landscape.