Based on recent poll results released on the previous day, the Labour party gains a significant lead over the British Conservative party. The Conservatives, under Rishi Sunak, are down by a massive 27 points, reminiscent of the Tony Blair-era Labour victory of 1997. The poll was performed by Ipsos and was published in the Standard newspaper. A drastic slump shows the Tories’ support has dwindled to a mere 20 per cent, a low not witnessed since 1978.
Previous setbacks for the Conservative party were recorded in December 1994 and May 1995 when John Major was at the helm with their support just at 22 per cent. Under New Labour, with Blair in charge, the Tories dropped to 23 per cent in July 1997 and again to the same percentage in December 2022, post Liz Truss’s short yet disastrous rule.
Britain’s chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, introduces his budget proposal soon which is set to incorporate significant tax reductions to garner voter support, ahead of the looming fall of Tory popularity. As the seat losses vary, the potential time spent out of power ranges from five to ten years depending on the extent of the defeat.
In a bid to rally the “blue wall”- a term for the traditionally Conservative southern England population, largely against Brexit – Sunak executed a noticeable cabinet reshuffle ahead of Christmas. The reshuffle included the unexpected comeback of David Cameron, former Tory leader, and the exit of controversial figure, Suella Braverman. Paradoxically, the “red wall” or Labour’s supporter base in the north, leaned towards Brexit. The recent poll suggests a struggle in maintaining allegiance from either side.
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